Unsafe ghats, deep pits: 25 drownings reported between Ramamangalam and Piravom
River safety is paramount, especially in areas like the Ramamangalam river where numerous drownings have occurred.
River safety is paramount, especially in areas like the Ramamangalam river where numerous drownings have occurred.
River safety is paramount, especially in areas like the Ramamangalam river where numerous drownings have occurred.
Piravom: Dangerous pits in the river have turned into death traps for unsuspecting visitors, especially those who cannot swim. The recent drowning of two young engineers at the Appattukkadavu ghat has once again drawn public attention to the alarming conditions of local ghats and the deep pits left behind by unregulated sand mining.
While the river surface may appear calm, it conceals strong undercurrents and deep, unstable pits, posing serious risks to those unfamiliar with the area.
Across the river, at the Thammanimattom ghat, ten lives have been lost in recent years — all victims who entered the water for bathing or recreation. The river flows in a straight line through this stretch, which may give a false sense of safety. Many who wade in—unaware of the terrain—can easily slip into a mining pit or get pulled under by a sudden whirlpool.
According to local estimates, around 25 people have drowned in the stretch between Ramamangalam and Piravom over the past decade. Victims have included IT professionals from Kochi, private company employees, and even a doctor from a private hospital.
Despite the growing number of tragedies, residents allege that no meaningful safety measures have been implemented at the ghats. With deep pits and unstable riverbeds left unchecked, many fear the death toll will continue to rise unless urgent action is taken.