A 4-year-old boy fell into a 25-foot-deep borewell in Haryana on Wednesday while on his way to visit his grandfather, prompting an immediate rescue operation by local authorities and disaster response teams.
Incident Details
The incident occurred in the village of Kalanaur in Rohtak district. The child, identified as Rohan, was walking with his mother when he accidentally stepped on the uncovered borewell opening and slipped inside. The borewell, dug for irrigation purposes, had been left unprotected, posing a danger to the community.
Upon receiving the alert, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police rushed to the spot. Rescue officials confirmed that the boy is trapped at a depth of approximately 25 feet and is conscious, responding to calls from rescuers. Oxygen is being supplied through a pipe to keep him stable.
Rescue Operations Underway
The rescue operation involves digging a parallel pit to reach the boy safely. Earthmoving equipment, including JCB machines, has been deployed to excavate the area. NDRF commandant Rajesh Kumar stated, "We are carefully monitoring the child's condition and maintaining communication with him. Our priority is to extract him without causing any harm."
Local administration has cordoned off the site, and medical teams are on standby with an ambulance. The district magistrate is personally overseeing the operation. Officials estimate that the rescue may take several hours due to the narrow diameter of the borewell, which is only about 9 inches wide.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the recurring issue of uncovered borewells in rural India, which have claimed many lives. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, over 100 children have died in borewell accidents in the past decade. Activists have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of laws requiring borewell owners to cap or fence them.
Rohan's mother, speaking to reporters, said, "He was holding my hand, and suddenly he slipped. We heard his cries from inside. I am praying for his safe return." The family has been provided with counseling support.
Government Response
Haryana Chief Minister has directed officials to expedite the rescue and ordered an inquiry into the negligence. He announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the family. The local municipal corporation has been asked to identify all open borewells in the area and seal them immediately.
As of the latest update, rescue teams have dug a 15-foot-deep parallel pit and are progressing carefully. The boy has been given food and water through a rope. The operation is expected to conclude by late evening.
