Dimapur – According to the Department of Home Guards, Civil Defense and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Dimapur, Nagaland reported a total of 14 drowning incidents in 2024–25.
Of these, six occurred in 2025 alone, with three incidents on Dhansiri River, two on the Pimla River and one being registered at a fishing area in the village of Tschiye.
In 2024, four incidents took place in the Dhansiri River, while the other two appeared in the fish ponds.
The increasing number of incidents has expressed concerns about the need for improved security measures and public consciousness concerns in civil servants and local authorities.
Swimming as a basic life competence
Speak to Eastern mirrorSDRF Dimapur Commandant M Yingnyei Konyak described the growing drowning cases as alarming.
He had the feeling that swimming should be taught in both schools and at home as a basic life skills. “Swimming must be necessary as a necessity, no optional activity. Parents should supervise children near water, and schools have to integrate swimming as part of the essential training,” he said.
The official asked the residents to avoid river banks for bathing or swimming if possible. If swimming is inevitable, it should be limited to flat areas and children must be closely supervised.
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He also advised to use life jackets, rescue books or improvised flotation devices, and emphasized that nobody should swim alone. Consumers are crucial because emergencies such as cramps, fatigue or stroke can suddenly occur.
He also emphasized the responsibility of colonies and villages near rivers. “The local authorities have to enforce restrictions to prevent ruthless entry into river areas. These rules are of crucial importance because the misfortunes directly influence the local community,” he said.
Precomentant words
The commander warned that many drowning incidents occur due to superconscious or lack of swimming capabilities. He asked beginners to never swim in open waters and recommended in safe, controlled environments.
Swimming under the influence of alcohol caused several avoidable tragedies.
Yingnyei also warned against underestimating open waters. Rivers in Dimapur often hide strong underfloor, whirlpools or deep pits, which were created by sand mining – both legally and illegally – and natural formations.
Even experts can be unprepared, he recalled; And advised the parents to never leave children unattended near waters. He emphasized that open ponds and fisheries have to be barricaded out of security.
He also found that Dimapur and Chümoukedima suffer extreme heat and humidity in summer, which tempted people to visit rivers to cool off. However, this habit often leads to accidents and drown. He asked the residents to avoid riversids in summer and in the monsoon.
With regard to sand breakdown, he pointed out that many areas have no warning staums. In such cases, village devices and colonies authorities must take the initiative, he said.
If necessary, you should obtain the district administration when installing signs and the enforcement of the necessary restrictions, he said.
Operational challenges
The official described several operational challenges for SDRF employees. Many waters are cloudy and make it difficult to locate victims, while hidden currents also pose risks for trained rescuers.
Inaccessible river banks prevent vehicles and boats from reaching emergency points quickly. Sub -dived construction deposits, including iron bars and concrete, endangers both swimmers and rescue teams. In the event of floods or landslides, rubble can be driven hidden.
He explained that Dimapur SDRF covers broad responsibility, including Chümoukedima, Niuland and sometimes peren, since these districts do not lack dedicated SDRF units. This extended responsibility has significantly increased the workload.
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Precautionary measures
Dimapur and Chümoukedima village devices have also initiated security measures. Asemba Sangtam, chairman of the Sangtamillilla Village Council, said that four warning signs provided by the government near the river were installed in order to draw the residents' attention.
He added that the sand and gravel breakdown had deepened the river sections to 10 to 15 feet, which makes these areas particularly dangerous. The sand breakdown between Nagoa Bosti and Thahekhu village was banned to reduce risks.
The barricade fishing and open ponds are discussed with the deputy commissioner, he added.
The chairman of the village official of the Dilfhupar, Ghuzui Shoehe, emphasized the use of WhatsApp warnings to inform the residents about the rising river level. Youth helpers occasionally monitor risky river areas.
While the sand mining was banned on site, no official warning signs have yet been installed, which he claimed and emphasized the importance of the correct signage.
ASI Angukato and Yepho from SDRF Chümoukedima explained that sand mining zones are extremely slippery, with some areas resemble the power and make movement difficult.
He also made it clear that non-local people who help to relax body care during the search operation are not officially part of the SDRF team. Their participation is only arranged by the family concerned, and every participation is strictly between the family and the people.
On October 29, 2024, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) from Chümoukedima issued public advice to improve safety in terms of water. The deputy commissioner and DDMA chairwoman Polan John welded owners and village rates to argue open and deep ponds, fishing and trenches to prevent accidental falls, especially in children.
Clear signs such as “Warning deep water” must be presented prominently and added that the councils were responsible for compliance with compliance to ensure proactive security measures to prevent further tragedies.
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