Picnic turned into tragedy for 14 young students who were drowned at the picturesque Murud beach in Raigad district to the shock of the entire nation. Strong under-currents with huge waves on rocky beaches where the soft sand surface shifts under the feet can be extremely dangerous apart from being fatal. But today’s youngsters give a ‘Nelson’s Eye’ to such warnings in their enthusiasm for adventure and the horrifying incident should act as an eye-opener.
The famous popular Murud beach is frequented by young tourists at all time and the missing ‘Lifeguard’ amazes us all as the beach is known to be dangerous for its cross-currents at times of tidal waves which rise to unprecedented levels during windy atmosphere. The shocking incident should open the eyes of the government and efforts must be made to improve safety standards at beaches in our country so similar incidents can be avoided in future. The entry points at beaches should be regulated and people allowed only after they are equipped with kits like air tubes and other materials which help them float at times of an emergency. The entry to beaches too should be closed during rough weather and constant monitoring by lifeguards and motor boats should be mandatory for avoiding such mishaps in future.
Education is the need of the hour and people must be made aware of the dangerous of flirting with nature in their mode of fun and entertainment which can turn into trauma at times of ignorance. Warnings need to be issued on mobile applications which are today so popular among youngsters so that they avoid beaches at times of risk.
S.N. Kabra
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
