Mumbaikars react sharply to Murud beach tragedy

The tragedy at Murud beach in Raigad district on Monday that saw 14 students from Pune’s Inamdar College meet a watery death has elicited different reactions from various institutions and organisations. The Bombay high court has also asked the government to file a reply as to what security measures have been taken to keep the beaches secure. Students from adjoining campuses and Punekars have also reacted sharply on the tragedy and have blamed the lack of security measures that led to it.

While alleging that the absence of lifeguards resulted in the drowning incident, P.A. Inamdar, trustee of the Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society run Abeda Inamdar College in Pune said that the students cannot be blamed for being adventurous and daring. “It is that age when youngsters want to push the limits, they cannot be expected to be mature and level-headed else there will be no difference between the old and the young. Had lifeguards been present on the spot the tragedy could have been averted,” said Mr Inamdar.

Students from various colleges in Pune and Mumbai felt that the tragedy may put an end to excursions organised by their colleges. “Based on what we have seen and heard through various media we realise that while initially only three students were drowning the others drowned when they tried to save them. The scenario could have been avoided if watchtowers and lifeguards had been present on the beach. We just hope the incident does not put an end to all such outings,” said Fazle Ali, a student from Rizvi College, Bandra.

Uday Nare, a teacher from Hansraj School, Andheri, however said authorities should verify whether the college had requisite permissions from the education department to send the students for the picnic. “Educational institutions are expected to take students for excursions to places that provide educational value. The beach is not the place for students and is also barred by the education department. An inquiry should be conducted on the college,” said Mr Nare who is also the spokesperson of the Mumbai Teachers Association.

Meanwhile, education minister Vinod Tawde said the incident was tragic and he felt saddened and pained by the loss of young lives.