Brave Mothers Take Action to Prevent Drownings in India's Sundarbans

Sat Dec 06 2025 20:18:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In India's Sundarbans, mothers unite to combat high drowning rates in wetlands, creating community-run crèches and promoting safety.

Every day, three children drown in India’s Sundarbans wetlands, but determined mothers are stepping up to protect their kids. They are establishing makeshift crèches where kids can be educated and supervised, aiming to prevent tragedies like their own losses. With community support and CPR training, these heroic mothers are fighting back against the dangers posed by the region's numerous ponds and rivers.

In India's Sundarbans, a vast delta region known for its complex waterways, drowning tragedies are alarmingly frequent, with three children losing their lives daily. Mothers, driven by personal loss and heartbreak, are banding together to combat these statistics.

Mangala Pradhan remembers the day she lost her one-year-old son, Ajit, who drowned in their home pond while she was busy with chores. Today, she is one of 16 mothers involved in a community initiative, caring for children at local crèches established by the non-profit Child In Need Institute (CINI). These crèches provide a safe space for around 40 children, allowing parents to work without fear of their kids wandering near water.

The urgency for this initiative stems from a 2020 survey indicating that countless children drown at home, often while caregivers are occupied. Most drownings occur close to home and during the day, particularly in the rainy season when ponds swell with water.

Awareness and resilience are growing; mothers share stories of loss and emphasize preventative measures. Sujata Das, who lost her 18-month-old daughter, is committed to fencing in her pond and teaching neighbors CPR. Over 2,000 villagers have received CPR training recently, empowering them to help in emergencies.

Cultural beliefs have made some community members hesitant to modify their environments, but lessons learned from successful interventions in neighboring countries like Bangladesh show promise. Crèches and educational programs can dramatically reduce drowning rates, as demonstrated in countries like Vietnam.

These mothers urge others to take action, practicing safety measures and learning essential lifesaving skills. With hope radiating from their community work, these brave mothers not only mourn their losses but actively fight to ensure no other family faces similar heartbreak. Together, they are turning their tragedies into a movement for change, reminding everyone that children like to explore, and it's our responsibility to keep them safe.