PANJIM: In response to numerous drowning incidents, the District Magistrate of North Goa has issued an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, prohibiting swimming in waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies across the district.
The order, signed by Dr. Sneha S. Gitte, IAS, District Magistrate of North Goa, highlights the significant risk posed by swimming in these areas. The directive emphasizes the need for urgent measures to safeguard public safety and prevent further loss of life.
The order states: “There have been many incidents of drowning reported in the past in Waterfalls, Abandoned Quarries, Rivers, Lakes, and other water bodies in the North Goa District and as such swimming in these water poses dangerous risk to the life of people.”
Given the circumstances, the notice further explains that it is not feasible to serve individual notices to the persons concerned. Therefore, an ex-parte order under sub-section (2) of Section 144 has been passed to enforce this prohibition immediately.
Key Points of the Order:
- Prohibition Details: Swimming in waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies within the North Goa District is strictly prohibited until further notice.
- Enforcement: Local Police Inspectors and Mamlatdars are directed to maintain strict vigilance in their jurisdictions to enforce the order.
- Penal Actions: Non-compliance with the order will result in penal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant legal provisions.
- Duration: The order is effective from May 26, 2024, and will remain in force for 60 days unless withdrawn earlier.
The order, issued on May 26, 2024, underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the general public by mitigating risks associated with hazardous water bodies.
For more information and updates, residents and visitors are advised to stay informed through official channels and comply with the safety directives issued by the authorities.
