Nagpur: A tragic incident unfolded at the Kachchi Visa Ground in Lakadganj on Thursday afternoon when a 7-year-old boy drowned in a temporary water tank set up for Ganpati Visarjan (immersion).

According to reports from the Lakadganj Fire Station, a group of children had entered the immersion tank to bathe when one of them, Mahesh Komal Thapa, went under and failed to resurface. The fire brigade received an emergency call and rushed to the scene.

Firefighters conducted an immediate search operation and were able to pull Mahesh out of the water. However, the boy was found in an unresponsive state. Further details on his condition and whether he was declared dead at the hospital are awaited.

Immersion Tank Raises Safety Alarms

The tank in question was constructed as part of the city’s preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi immersions. While these artificial ponds are meant to facilitate environmentally friendly idol immersion, they are not designed for swimming or recreational use.

Local residents and authorities have raised concerns over the lack of fencing, warning signs, and supervision around such temporary structures—especially when they are accessible to children during non-festival periods.

The incident has prompted calls for stricter safety protocols, including covering or securing immersion tanks when not in use and conducting regular inspections to prevent unauthorized access.

An official from the Nagpur Fire Department said, “We urge parents to keep children away from such hazardous zones, and request civic authorities to ensure safety measures are in place.”

Further investigation into the matter is underway, and police are likely to register an accidental death case.