The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the State Government to acquire and deploy, without delay, speedboats and water scooters at the Puri sea beach to rescue people not within the reach of the lifeguards deployed on the beach.
The NHRC’s directive came in response to a petition filed by human rights activist Akhand in January last year in which he had alleged that the Puri beach has become a killing field for tourists coming here to enjoy a bath or swim in the sea with the Government doing little to prevent such avoidable deaths.
In his petition, the activist alleged that the Puri sea beach is unfit for bathing because of the high sea tides. In the last five years, over 100 tourists have lost their lives. He pointed out that 18 tourists drowned in 2012, 16 in 2011, 14 in 2010, 21 in 2009 and 17 in 2008 while bathing at the Puri beach.
The NHRC had then asked the Chief Secretary to inform it of the steps taken to prevent such deaths within four weeks. While admitting that the sea at Puri is not suitable for bathing, the Puri Collector and SP and the Additional Secretary, Home in their reports to the NHRC had said a helpline for tourists had been set up, 123 Home Guards from the local Nolia community deployed and three police assistance centres, five watchtowers and 30 signboards in different languages put up on the beach.
Besides, the Government had also taken steps like provision of free lifejackets by voluntary agencies, arrangement for police patrolling, airing of awareness advertisements in television channels, availability of funds for tourists in times of emergency and training of tourist police, said the officials in their reply.
Basing on the arguments of the petitioner, the NHRC directed the Government to ensure strict implementation of the steps mentioned by it.