State’s ‘lifeline’ turns into ‘canal of death’

Narmada canal near Ahmedabad is becoming the new “death spot”. The number of suicides and accidental deaths due to drowning in the canal have doubled in the last four years. With bridges on Sabarmati fenced and Kankaria Lake out of bounds, the isolation of the canal provides ample spots to the depressed to take their lives. While 80 deaths were reported in 2018, between January and December, the figure was 65 in 2017, 49 in 2016 and 40 in 2015. The figures are limited to data kept by Gandhinagar fire brigade who are first to respond to distress calls. It does not include people who may have plunged into the canal in vicinity of Gandhinagar.

Sabarmati river and city lakes out of bound

Additional Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) Rajesh Bhatt said, “The canal has become the new death spot. We get 375-400 rescue calls each year, of which 275 to 300 pertain to Narmada canal in Gandhinagar and municipalities such as Sanand, Dholka, Viramgam and Prantij. Rescue calls, limited to Gandhinagar proper, number around 100 along the 25-30 km stretch of the canal.”

When asked about reasons behind high number of deaths, he said, “All the bridges on the Sabarmati have been fenced. Also, in Ahmedabad passersby alert us or prevent people from jumping into the Sabarmati. Kankaria lake is out of bounds while Chandola lake has dense population which prevents suicides. Hence, those with suicidal tendencies are moving out further in search of isolated water bodies like the Narmada canal.”

Accidental deaths also on rise

While most death cases are suicides, several people accidentally fall in the canal while taking selfies on its slippery slopes. The recent incident — young relatives of former Union minister Mohan Kundaria falling into the canal while being photographed by a friend at Jaspur, is a case in point. Both Bharmin Kosindra and Preet Adroja were students of MBA and good swimmers, yet they could not survive the strong water current. The underwater vegetation and the algae lathered slopes also make it difficult for even good swimmers to save themselves.

Increased need for patrolling

Gandhinagar CFO Mahesh Mod said, “The number of rescue calls have increased in the past three months. In January alone, we registered seven cases of suicide. In 2005 efforts were made to fence the bridges, build light masts and increase patrolling due to several cases of suicide at the canal. It curtailed the deaths to a great extent but lately, we are again noticing a spike in deaths.”

Sightseeing destination

Raju Desai (48), a farmer whose farm is located besides Jaspur canal gate where the two youths drowned, said, “Youngsters do not pay heed to advice of caution. Some of them jump over the parapet of the bridge to take photographs and selfies. The water current is strong here and even the wind speed is high. We try to warn them, but they don't listen. At least one body or sometimes more are recovered from the vicinity every week.”


Daredevilry must be avoided

Kinari Vyas (36) and Mita Vaseta (31), who frequent the tranquil and peaceful environs of Jaspur, said, “We come here to enjoy nature and peace. The sunset here is beautiful. We hear about accidental drownings while taking photos and selfies. However, we are very careful when we visit this place and don’t risk our lives.” Mita, who lives at nearby Adani Shantigram, said, “This is a beautiful place, but it can prove dangerous if you try to be daredevil.”

Canal a suicide spot even in other districts

Recently, when four women decided to end their lives together, they chose Narmada canal in Banaskantha to take the plunge. The day their bodies were recovered, another youth ended life the same way. A couple jumped into the canal while bodies of Mohan Kundaria’s relatives were being searched. The woman was saved while the man drowned.