Bhubaneswar, 8 December (H.S.): Odisha has recorded 1,832 drowning deaths in the last three years, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Assembly on Monday.

Responding in writing to a question raised by Jatani MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Balabantaray, the Chief Minister stated that 1,750 fatalities occurred in rivers, while 82 deaths were reported in the sea during the period.

Among river-related incidents, Cuttack district reported the highest number of deaths at 179, followed by Keonjhar (160) and Mayurbhanj (154). In coastal areas, Puri recorded 62 sea-drowning cases, while Ganjam reported 13 and Jagatsinghpur six.

To reduce such incidents, CM Majhi said that Odisha Fire and Emergency Services has instructed all fire stations to identify vulnerable spots across rivers, seas, and other water bodies. Awareness drives are being conducted to discourage people from entering dangerous waters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda