The Karnataka Groundwater (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) (Amendment) Bill, passed in the state Assembly on Monday (December 16), brings in stringent measures to prevent open borewell-related accidents and deaths.
To increase the protection of the people and the proper supply of water from wells or artesian wells, the Karnataka Assembly has recently approved the Karnataka Groundwater (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) (Amendment) Bill. Its main objective is to reduce incidence of fatal mishaps on open borewells as have been witnessed in several occasions involving the innocent lives of children.
Water borewells are small diameter holes dug into the ground to get to water sources that are beneath the surface of the earth. Borewells are a popular method for getting water since they were first used in the 1970s as the solution to water issues in India. However, when water is no longer available many borewells remain open and actually become deadly pits called “death holes”. These open borewells are very dangerous especially to children and whenever rescue is to be carried out, it is very expensive and most of the times futile.
Key Provisions of the New Law
One of the new measures embedded by the new law is the reinforcement of proper sealing of borewells. Key provisions include:
- Mandatory Sealing: The borewells agencies are mandatorily expected to cover the borings by using steel caps completing bolt and nut or threaded cap. This measure should eliminate cases of falling by accident.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: The acts of not sealing borewells correctly will attract a fine of ₹25,000 and one year imprisonment. Moreover, failure to meet the provisions of advance notification will enable the offending party to be charged ₹5,000 and imprisonment up to three months.
- Fencing Requirements: Access to borewells needs to be controlled and therefore, barbed wire fencing or any other special structures must be put around any borewells.
- Notification and Documentation: Agencies which provide drilling services have to inform regional authorities 15 days prior to the start of work and produce an affidavit of sealing works within 24 hours.
- Public Awareness: Awareness boards will also be installed at the offices in Gram Panchayat, which will enable the general public to understand precaution measures of borewell.
Karnataka’s new law is in fact one of the measures showcasing that state’s readiness to save lives and take better control over groundwater more effectively. While implementing high standards of regulation and fine, the state wants to minimize the cases of borewell accidents and encourage appropriate drilling. It is a great start to demolishing the construction of dangerous structures on communities and preserving water resources for future generations.
What are Open Borewells?
The open borewells are usually narrow holes drilled to the ground to reach to the water reserves. These borewells can be covered with a lid when in use but when defunct or without a lid they are dangerous, open borewells are commonly referred to as “death hole.” Such open borewells present a serious threat particularly to the young children since they may accidentally fell in, and be stuck.
Statistics on Borewell Accidents in India
Currently, India has 27 million borewells and India tops the list of countries using highest amount of groundwater in the world. This has resulted in numerous borewell related mishaps as well. The NDRF data state that 40 or more children have been trapped in borewells since 2009, and of these rescue operations, over 70 per cent were unsuccessful. Maximum numbers of borewell accidents reported in Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat contributing 17.6 per cent each of total borewell accidents. Karnataka has 8.8% of such events, other states are Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra with 5.9% of the event.
Causes of Borewell Accidents
The primary causes of borewell accidents include:
- Falling while playing: These children may go play close to borewells without even having a clue about the risk involved.
- Unclosed borewells: Unsealed bore wells turns into death traps in case they are abandoned during the drilling process.
- Temporary covers: Putting on poor covers, which could be easily removed or shifted, usually fabric ones.
- Lack of warning signs: Lack of apparent signals which could help the people to avoid the threats.
- Delayed response: Poor or delay response to the rescue agencies.
Impact on Communities
Borewell tragedies are extremely devastating for a community; the losses are immense and the survivors grieve. The overall spending of the rescue operations could sum up to ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore and even after such attempts many a lives are lost. Still the pain of families and communities can hardly be estimated; therefore, the need for protective measures is vital.
Preventive Measures
To address this issue, several preventive measures have been proposed, including:
- Mandatory sealing: When a borewells is rendered unusable, it must be closed up properly to avoid being a source of contamination.
- Fencing: Prohibition of public access to borewells by surrounding them with barbwires or constructing other forms of barriers.
- Public awareness: Informing the public about the risk associated with the use of open borewells and prevent measures.
- Regulations: The rules and regulations must be tight as well as possessing fine in case of noncompliance.
Why there is a need for laws for open borewells in India?
The uncovered open borewells that are found around and especially at areas which such a borewell was abandoned are a real danger to the lives of the children. These are open pits drilled to reach the water table and are often abandoned after secession or non-performance. This has time and again resulted into accidents hence the need for the country to enforce proper laws that can be used to control the operation of the open borewells.
Public Safety Concerns
One of the primary reasons for the need for laws regulating open borewells is public safety. Incidences where children have fallen into these borewells and rescues operations are always a herculean tasks and in most cases the child loses his/her life. Making the wells too narrow and deep it becomes very difficult to pull anybody who unknowingly or even willingly falls in, and the result is they end up being killed or seriously injured. Applying severe provisions can guarantee the capping and locking of borewells and therefore reducing chances of such mishaps and conserving lives.
Environmental Impact
The borewells which are not properly sealed usually cause various problems to the environment. When constructed, they act like pipelines through which pollution can enter the water table making the quality of the groundwater, which is such a vital resource, quite poor. Consequently, unnecessary access to groundwater by borewells is quiet dangerous to public health and the surrounding ecosystems, and requires proper regulation and management. Precisely, legal provisions regarding sealing and management of borewells can effectively eliminate these imposed hazards to the environment.
Accountability and awareness
Legal measures will ensure that drilling agencies and property owners are more responsible through law reforms. But when the legal implications of not adhering to borewell safety standards are comprehensible and their implementation is compulsory, then there is optimal motivation towards optimally embracing pro standards for safety borewells. In the same respect, awareness creating activities can therefore inform the communities on the risks of the open borewells as well as the need to adhere to safety standards.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
NDRF is the country specific force for under the Disaster Management. Having the responsibility to deliver a rapid and proper reaction in regards to natural as well as man-made disasters, NDRF is one of the key players in disaster operations in India. The motto of NDRF is ‘Aapda Seva Sadaiv’ which means ‘Service Unto Disaster’ NDRF is all about dedicated, committed to serving the Indians in the hour of the disaster.
Genesis and Structure
The NDRF was formally established in 2006 after approval of Disaster Management Act was passed in the same year. The force works under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and it is led by Director General (DG). There are 12 battalions, and every battalion is subdivided into several different teams which work in an area of specialization.
NDRF battalions are posted all over the country to reach out to the areas needing the contingents as quickly as possible; for emergencies. Every battalion consist of people from paramilitary force including BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and other forces. These personnel undertake intensive practical sessions in disasters alert, fun-ding and defusing, search and rescue, first aid, and methods of dealing with disasters of various natures.
Core Responsibilities
- Disaster Response and Rescue Operations: The main function of NDRF is to respond and rescue during disasters which include; Earthquakes, floods, cyclones and landslides. The force is also competent in dealing with chemical biological and nuclear hazards also commonly abbreviated as CBRN.
- Capacity Building and Training: The NDRF conducts training, practice-sets and mock exercise for strengthening the state and local disaster response management teams. International organization linkages – it also partner with other international organizations to embrace the cardinal principles and enhance its functioning.
- Community Awareness and Preparedness: Another important role of NDRF is to educate people of the particular community and district about disaster risk reduction and response. The force engages in civic education both mass and school, civic education on disaster preparedness, and civic education during disaster risk reduction at the local level.
- Coordination and Collaboration: These entities include the state disaster management authorities, the local governments, the non-governmental organizations – NGOs, and the international organizations.
Notable Operations
Counting down on the years, the NDRF has been actively participating in many large scale rescue and relief operations and have demonstrated efficacy and commitment. Some of the notable operations include:
- Nepal Earthquake (2015): The NDRF played a critical role in the rescue operations following the devastating earthquake in Nepal. The force dispatched several groups to help with search and rescue by offering medical assistance and food and water to the survivors.
- Kerala Floods (2018): In the rare times of floods in Kerela, the NDRF has sent more than 50 teams to perform the rescue operations in which many thousands of people were rescued. Moments of operations determine how well a force can respond to the situation and whether it has adequately coordinated with local powers.
- COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): The NDRF played an active role during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis where it helped in transporting Supplies required during Lockdown, identification and arrangement for Quarantine Centres, creating awareness campaigns for COVID Appropriate Behaviors/Measures.
NDRF in Borewell Rescue Missions
In the rescue operation especially the borewell rescue the NDRF is a tremendous help on the spot with quick response, technical knowledge and assistance and, necessary equipment. The force is also armed with sophisticated equipment some of which include hydraulic cutter, pneumatic drill and search cameras for identifying trapped persons. NDRF teams sustain casualties handling, rescue operations, first aid and trauma care so that casualties may be dealt safely and securely.