7-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Illegal Swimming Pool Near Bageshwar Dham In MP’s Chhatarpur | FP Photo
Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh): A 7-year-old lost his life after drowning in a swimming pool in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district near Bageshwar Dham on Saturday.
The incident occurred in Garha village under Bamitha police station, where the pool was allegedly operating illegally and without any safety arrangements. After the incident, the pool has now been sealed by authorities.
The deceased, Rihansh Kumar Singh, was the son of Ajit Kumar Singh, a local Dhaba (roadside eatery) owner who lives in the area with his family. The family originally hails from Bihar.
FP Photo
On Saturday, Ajit took his son for a swim in a nearby pool located near a railway bridge. Due to the absence of lifeguards or basic safety equipment, the child drowned while swimming. He was rushed to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Following the incident, police from Bamitha reached the spot and began investigations. Tehsildar Prateek Rajak and Bamitha police station in-charge Ashutosh Shrotriya visited the site, prepared a report, and sealed the swimming pool.
Illegal pools raises risks
This case is not isolated. Across Chhatarpur district, many swimming pools are being run without proper permissions, safety measures, or hygiene standards. Especially during the summer season, such pools appear rapidly in large numbers, often constructed in makeshift and unsafe conditions. These pools are becoming a serious public health and safety risk.
Most of these pools lack proper water filtration systems. Even where filters exist, they are often non-functional. As a result, dirty water accumulates, leading to skin problems like rashes, itching, and infections. Contaminated water can also enter the body through the nose or mouth, causing more serious health issues.
Experts Warn Against Swimming in Unsafe Pools
Local businessman and president of the Sarafa Association, Prabhat Agrawal, has urged people to avoid swimming in such pools, especially during this season, which sees a rise in infections and diseases. He warned that these unhygienic pools are breeding grounds for illnesses and often contain filth left behind by other swimmers.
Dr. Manoj Choudhary, a senior surgeon at the district hospital, said that swimming in dirty water under the sun can lead to dehydration and other health complications. He noted a sharp increase in patients suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, cough, cold,
