West Bengal Drowning Crisis : New Survey Reveals True Toll, Calls for Urgent Action
New survey uncovers the true scale of the West Bengal drowning crisis and calls for urgent action to protect children and rural families.
Lucknow | 24, July 2025 : A new survey reveals that the West Bengal drowning crisis is far deadlier than earlier estimates. Every day, 25 people drown in the state — and tragically, half of them are children. Researchers say urgent steps must be taken now to prevent more lives from being lost.
Largest Drowning Survey Ever Conducted in India
The George Institute for Global Health India led the biggest community drowning survey in India. The survey, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, covered all 23 districts in West Bengal, reaching 18 million people.
Shockingly, the survey found 9,191 people die from drowning every year in West Bengal. This number is nearly three times higher than earlier figures reported by the Global Burden of Disease. These findings show the West Bengal drowning crisis is a silent emergency that demands urgent policy action.
Why So Many Deaths Go Unreported
Most drowning deaths in rural areas never reach official records. Only 18% of drowning victims had a death certificate. Of these, half did not list drowning as the cause. Many families, especially in poor areas, do not report child deaths because there is no legal or financial reason to do so.
Children Face the Highest Risk
The survey found that 45% of drowning victims are children aged 1–9. Toddlers aged 1–2 years are at the greatest risk because they can move but do not sense danger. Most drownings happen within 50 meters of home, often when parents are busy with chores. Drownings also peak during monsoon months, especially in July and August.
Community and Experts Call for Solutions
Dr. B. Mohammed Asheel from WHO India said, “Low and middle-income countries have not kept up with global progress on drowning prevention. We know how to stop this — we must act now.”
Dr. Medhavi Gupta from The George Institute added, “The true scale of the West Bengal drowning crisis has stayed invisible for too long. Our research shows where we must focus to save lives.”
4 Steps to Prevent Drowning in West Bengal
To fight the West Bengal drowning crisis, experts urge the government to act now. The key steps are:
- Protect toddlers: Build fences around ponds and water bodies near homes. Local bodies and Rural Development teams can lead this work.
- Expand childcare: Set up more creches for kids aged 2–6 in rural areas. This cuts drowning risk by up to 88%.
- Teach survival swimming: Add swim and water safety lessons for children aged 6–10 in schools and communities.
- Train first responders: Equip families and neighbours with rescue and CPR skills.
Turning Knowledge Into Action
Dr. Jagnoor Jagnoor from The George Institute said, “Every drowning death can be prevented. We have the science and the solutions — we need the courage to act. By working across Health, Education, and Rural Development, we can protect our children.”
Dr. Kelly Henning from Bloomberg Philanthropies added, “Better data and training save lives. We must turn this research into real action.”
Sujoy Roy from Child in Need Institute summed it up well: “Evidence shows that community strength plus government action ends drowning. We are ready to scale what works and protect every child.”
Next Steps for West Bengal
The George Institute and partners now plan to work with local governments to roll out proven safety programs. Communities, schools, and local leaders will play a key role in stopping the West Bengal drowning crisis.
