Puri beach a death trap: NHRC seeks ATR from Odisha government

05 February, 2013

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken the cognizance of increasing number of deaths at the Puri beach in Odisha. The apex rights body has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the state government.

Acting on a complaint of India Media Centre, a Puri-based human rights organization, the NHRC has served notice to chief secretary of the state to submit its report within four weeks. The petition has filed by human rights activist Mr. Akhand on behalf of IMC.

The petitioner said that the world-famous Puri beach in Odisha, which attracts lakhs of visitors every year, is gradually turning out to be a death trap for tourists. Over 100 tourists have drowned off the beach in the last five years.

According to official reports, 18 people died due to drowning in 2012. There were 26 deaths in 2011, 24 in 2010, 21 in 2009 and 17 in 2008. The increasing number of deaths off the beach has raised concerns among tourists. Larger responsibility lies with the authorities to make people aware of the danger or make suitable arrangement to avoid such incidents.

“There is a clear code of beach safety which is being followed across the world. But none of it is followed in Puri. Even there is no single display board or distribution of literature or deployment of life guards or life-saving machinery in case of emergency,” said Akhand.

The state government always gives false assurances that it will put safety measures in place at the Puri beach and additional life guards would be deployed for the safety of the tourists. But in last five years no action has been taken. There is a demand for identification of safe bathing spots along the beach. But the government ignored the demands, alleged the petitioner.