Toddler’s death in Shopian sparks concern over unfenced ponds

Shopian, Dec 12: A pall of gloom enveloped Check Chotipora village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Friday after a three-year-old boy died upon slipping into a pond near his home, renewing concerns over the safety hazards posed by unfenced water bodies in the area.

The child, identified as Mehran Zakir, son of Zakir Hussain Koli, was reportedly playing near the pond when he accidentally fell in. An official said the boy was immediately pulled out by locals and rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Residents said the tragedy has shaken the village, where several ponds constructed over the past two years remain open and without protective fencing.

While authorities have not confirmed whether the pond involved was built under Mission Amrit Sarovar, locals said many ponds created under the scheme in Shopian district lack fencing or warning signage, posing risks to children and livestock.

Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched in 2022 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, aims to create or rejuvenate 75 water bodies in every district to promote conservation and revive traditional ponds. South Kashmir has seen dozens of such ponds constructed for rainwater storage, groundwater recharge and community use.

However, residents said the absence of safety measures around newly dug ponds—especially those located close to homes or grazing fields—has become a growing concern. “We are not against development, but basic safety must be ensured,” said Abdul Rasheed, a resident. “Children play outdoors, and without fencing these ponds become dangerous.”

He added that a pond in the Bohrihalan area remains open, with children often playing around it. “It poses a risk to them. Such ponds must be fenced to ensure the safety of children and livestock,” he said.