Grief Spreads Across Barpeta as Community Mourns
The Paschim Jurbari siblings drowning has left an entire village in Assam’s Barpeta district reeling in sorrow. On the afternoon of September 5, 2025, two minor siblings—Rohan Das (10) and Rina Das (8)—lost their lives after falling into an unprotected pond near their home.
This heartbreaking event has once again exposed the urgent need for safety infrastructure around waterbodies in rural Assam.
What Happened in Paschim Jurbari?
A Normal Day Turns Into Tragedy
That day began like any other in the peaceful village of Paschim Jurbari. The siblings, full of energy, went outside to play near a pond frequently used by locals for daily chores. When they didn’t return home after an hour, their family grew worried and started searching.
Soon after, neighbors discovered the children’s slippers and water bottle near the pond’s edge. These signs led everyone to fear the worst.
Rescue Efforts Came Too Late
Locals immediately called for help, and search efforts began. Villagers, along with emergency responders, worked tirelessly to find the children. Sadly, they recovered both bodies around 5:30 PM. Doctors at a nearby health center confirmed the children had drowned.
“They just went out to play. We never thought we’d lose them like this,” said their father, Birendra Das, holding back tears.
Unsafe Waterbodies Still Claim Lives
No Fences, No Signs—No Protection
Unfortunately, this was not a freak accident. The pond where the children drowned had no barriers or warning signs. In rural areas like Paschim Jurbari, such waterbodies often remain completely unguarded, even though children pass by them every day.
Dr. Kabita Das, a Guwahati-based child safety expert, emphasized the need for urgent action.
“We can prevent most of these incidents by installing fences, putting up warning signs, and raising awareness.”
The Village Responds with Grief and Unity
Community Comes Together
As news of the Paschim Jurbari siblings drowning spread, the village came to a standstill. Shops shut their doors in mourning. The children’s school canceled classes and organized a moment of silence. Friends and classmates gathered for a prayer ceremony.
“Rohan and Rina were two of our brightest students,” said Sangeeta Roy, their school’s headmistress. “We lost part of our school family.”
Political Leaders Visit and Promise Action
Local MLA Abdul Hamid met the grieving family and offered condolences. He promised financial aid from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and called on district officials to inspect all open waterbodies near residential areas.
His visit brought some comfort to the family, but the village demanded long-term solutions.
Preventing the Next Paschim Jurbari Tragedy
Alarming National Drowning Stats
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports that over 2,500 Indian children drown every year. Many of these cases occur in rural settings where unprotected ponds, rivers, and wells are part of daily life.
Assam, with its abundance of natural waterbodies and limited safety infrastructure, remains especially vulnerable.
How We Can Protect Children
We can prevent similar tragedies if we act together—families, communities, and local governments alike. Here are five steps that make a difference:
- Fence waterbodies near schools, homes, and playgrounds
- Install warning signs and visual barriers
- Educate children on water safety and danger zones
- Train local volunteers in basic rescue and first aid
- Conduct regular audits of all public ponds and wells
The Paschim Jurbari siblings drowning is not just a story—it’s a warning. Every unprotected pond is a risk. Every family must know that even a moment’s carelessness can cost a life.
Together, we must ensure no other family suffers such a loss.