Karnataka issues safety SOP for Krishi Hondas to curb drowning deaths

New state guidelines mandate fencing, caution boards, and rescue equipment around farm ponds to protect children and senior citizens in rural areas.

In a bid to prevent tragic drowning incidents in rural Karnataka, the Department of Agriculture has rolled out new safety guidelines for farm ponds, popularly known as Krishi Honda. The move follows a series of fatal accidents where children and women lost their lives after falling into unfenced ponds.

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The circular, issued on August 11, directs farmers availing subsidies under the Krishi Bhagya Scheme to install fencing, caution boards, and floating rescue devices such as tubes and ropes. Authorities have also been instructed to sanction Rs 2,000 per farmer for placing warning signs with messages like “No Entry,” “Danger,” “Slippery,” and “Swimming Prohibited.” Importantly, subsidies for constructing farm ponds will now be released only after safety measures are verified.

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The decision comes after repeated incidents across the state, including the drowning of two children in Chikodi taluk (2016), four children in Mudhol taluk (2017), two women in Raichur district (2017), and three boys in Gauribidanur taluk (2022). Officials say the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is aimed at ensuring that such tragedies do not recur.

Child rights activists have long campaigned for this move, stressing that rural safety must be given equal importance as school and hostel safety. Experts suggest empowering local panchayats and Women and Child Protection Committees to oversee implementation while the government provides resources. Awareness campaigns, farmer workshops, and strict monitoring have been identified as key to making villages safer for children and senior citizens.

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