MOODBIDRI : Open wells without any protective walls are as dangerous as quarries
which are left uncovered after tapping their resources. This has been proved in the recent
accident at Paladka that claimed the life of Paladka parish priest Fr Dolphy Monteiro.
In fact, many could not believe when it was informed that the Parish Priest died after he
fell into the well accidentally. But a visit to the accident spot is enough to realize how
dangerously the well is located.
The well is located close by the road, just three to four feet below. The road has a
protective wall which is just two feet tall. This is highly insuffice on this road which
is used by a large number of people including school children. The well could be
considered safe if it had a protective wall of a height of at least ten feet.
There is a need for the local administrations to identify such wells and close them or
raise protective walls for the same. Action must be taken against the owners of such wells
in a similar fashion in which the Moodbidri tahsildar raided several red stone quarries
recently, including the unused quarries.
Last year, a bike rider had died after falling off the road into an open well at
Kallamundkur. The tragedy is that the local panchayat has still not taken steps to close or
raise protective walls for this well which is still lying wide open.
If the authorities fail to act fast, then these wells would only be inviting more danger in
the future.
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