Child Dies After Falling Into Open Jal Jeevan Mission Water Tank in Assam

A 4-year-old child died after falling into an open water tank under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Sonai Selurpur village of Assam’s Cachar district on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Wahid Ahmed Barbhuiya. 

According to information available, the tragic incident took place during the daytime when Wahid was playing with another child near a partially constructed Jal Jeevan Mission water project in the village. While playing, the child reportedly slipped and fell into an open water tank at the project site. As the tank was filled with water and left uncovered, the child drowned before help could reach him.

Following the incident, police reached the spot, recovered the child’s body and sent it to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examination. 

Meanwhile, local residents have blamed the project contractor for alleged negligence. Villagers alleged that “the contractor abandoned the work midway without completing the project, leaving the water tank in an open and unsafe condition for a long period. They claimed that despite repeated concerns, no safety measures such as fence in or covering the tank were put in place.”

They also demanded strict action against those responsible and urged the authorities to ensure proper safety measures at all unfinished government projects to prevent such tragedies in the future.

ALSO READ:Assam: Mongeet Festival Begins in Majuli, Giving Young Musicians a Stage