Mulshi Dam tragedy: Students to get message alerts for safe outings

Taking serious cognisance of the Thursday drowning incident that claimed the lives of three MBA students, Sachin Vernekar, dean, Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Development (IMED) Bharati Vidyapeeth (deemed to be university), Kothrud, on Friday decided to send alert messages on social media platforms to students. The messaging service will contain various measures that the students must keep in mind before planning an excursion.

Vernekar said, “The college administration is in constant touch with the family members of the deceased students. We have extended all possible assistance to the bereaved families.”

Giving details about the alert messaging service, Vernekar said, “Considering the incident that took place on Thursday, we have now decided to send an alert message to all the students starting Friday. The messages will be sent on WhatsApp, phone message and email. The message will contain precautionary measures and dos and don’ts that the students must take before they plan an excursion. We will also ask the students to avoid going near dams, rivers and unknown water bodies.

“Besides that, for every new batch that joins the institute, we have organised an induction programme for both students and parents. As many students come from different places, they either stay at the college hostel or private residences. I would personally address the programme and inform them about the safety measures and their responsibilities while pursuing their education here. We will also take regular counselling sessions for students.”

Talking about the incident, Vernekar said, “The ten students who had gone to Mulshi dam were not residing at the college hostel. They did not have any restrictions and hotel deadlines. No such excursions are planned by the college and the students had gone on their own. The incident is extremely unfortunate.”

Vernekar said, “When we were informed about the incident on Thursday morning, a team from the college, including senior management officials, rushed to the spot. I was continuously following up with the college administration until all the bodies were recovered and their family members reached Pune.”

The dean said that when the institute officials spoke to the other seven students who were in that group, they said that they have been to Mulshi dam several times in the past and were familiar with the nearby areas.

“The students said that only Shubham Raj Sinha and Shiv Kumar knew how to swim and they rushed to rescue Sangita Negi. However, it was very unfortunate that all three of them drowned,” Vernekar said.

Alert messages will carry precautionary tips

1. Carry safety equipment along with you on picnics/outings.

2. Carry preventive medicine/drugs

3. Keep your parents informed

4. Do not go with unknown persons and to unknown area

5. See that you are back home/PG/hostels by 10 pm

6. Read and follow safety signs

7. Follow traffic rules

8. Wear a helmet while riding a two-wheeler

Students say

Though I have not met the victim students personally, I am shocked. We are a group of eight boys and, after this tragic incident, we have decided to not plan any excursion near an unknown water body.

Abhijit Koturwar , 1st year MA student

It was an unfortunate incident. The students should think about their family members before planning an excursion that involves a risk of any kind. They must inform their parents about their whereabouts at all times.

Sarita Anand, first year master in social work student

We must always carry safety equipment when we go for an excursion. If the outing involves trekking, one must carry a rope and a torch. These equipment can help during crisis and also save lives.

Suraj Devkar, second year MA student

We have the right to know the truth about Shiv’s death’

The bodies of the three MBA students who drowned at Mulshi dam were kept at the dead house (morgue) of Sassoon General Hospital, before it were handed over to their family members on Friday.

The body of Shiv Kumar, one of the deceased, was collected by his father Gopal Krishna Kumar and uncle Bantu Sharma.

An inconsolable Sharma said, “We would like to know if the incident was an accident or was he pushed into the deep waters. His friends at the college are not divulging any details. We at least have the right to know the truth.”

Speaking about Shiv, Sharma said, “He was loved by one and all and completed his graduation in commerce. He even won gold medals in academics. He was an ex-student of GLA university, which is considered as a top university in Uttar Pradesh.”

“We have not informed our family members about the incident. They have been told that Shiv is in the intensive care unit (ICU). I can imagine my sister’s condition after knowing that her son is no more. She would be devastated.”

Kumar, who is a police officer at Mathura, said, “I was posted on election duty in Dholpur, Uttar Pradesh. I was unaware of the incident. As soon as I received information about the incident I rushed to Pune with my brother-in-law. I have three children and Shiv was the eldest. The youngest is disabled and my daughter is 17-years-old. I never thought that such an incident will happen with my son. My family members have not been informed yet. This is a very difficult time for us. Shiv was a brilliant student and has been residing in Pune for only one year.”