Mothers Unite to Combat Drowning Tragedies in India's Sundarbans

In the Sundarbans region of India, where hazards abound, mothers are proactively working to prevent drowning incidents that claim the lives of children. Each day, nearly three children aged between one and nine years drown in the area, particularly during the monsoon season when homes are surrounded by floodwaters.

Mangala Pradhan, who lost her one-year-old son Ajit 16 years ago to a tragic drowning accident, is now one of 16 mothers caring for children at a local creche established by the non-profit Child In Need Institute. These makeshift centers provide a safe space where around 40 children are cared for while their parents work, addressing the urgent need for supervision amidst the perils of their environment.

Recent research highlighted that around 65% of drowning incidents occur within just 50 meters of home, and most children were unsupervised during daily chores. With hospitals scarce and healthcare infrastructure lacking, community members often resorted to ancient superstitions and ineffective measures to cope with such tragedies.

In a bid to foster resilience, villagers have begun engaging in practical solutions, such as fencing off ponds and conducting CPR training. Sujata Das, a mother who recently experienced the loss of her 18-month-old daughter Ambika to drowning, has taken personal initiative to educate her community on the importance of water safety and child supervision.

Local efforts mirror successful interventions seen in neighboring Bangladesh, which significantly reduced drowning rates through the establishment of child-care facilities and educational programs. As mothers like Kakoli Das advocate for the fencing of ponds and the teaching of swimming skills, a grassroots movement is being established to change attitudes about water safety and ensure that no other parent has to endure the pain of losing a child to drowning.