A two-and-a-half-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being stuck in a borewell for nearly 23 hours in Jhalariya village, located in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh. The child, named Bhagirath, fell into the borewell at approximately 7.30 pm on Thursday, February 1, 2025. Despite intensive rescue efforts, he was declared dead shortly after being retrieved.

Rescue Operation Details

Upon learning of the incident, multiple rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were promptly mobilised. Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh stated that time was of the essence as rescue teams worked through challenging conditions, characterised by rocky terrain and boulders impeding their efforts.

Throughout the night, responders monitored the child’s condition using a camera inserted into the borewell. Oxygen was provided to Bhagirath during the operation, yet officials reported that he was unresponsive when finally extracted. He was rushed to a local civil hospital for examination.

According to District Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Suyash Shrivastava, the child was confirmed dead upon arrival at the facility. Following the post-mortem procedure, the body will be handed over to the bereaved family for their rites.

Challenges Faced During the Rescue

The rescue operation was complicated not only by the depth of the borewell, where the child was trapped at a depth of 60 to 65 feet, but also by the harsh geological conditions. Rescuers discovered rock formations after digging approximately 40 feet, further delaying the operation.

Specialised drilling machines were brought from Bhopal and Indore to break through the rocks, and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and NDRF utilised several Poclain and JCB machines during their efforts. Badnagar police station in-charge, Ashok Patidar, highlighted the difficulties posed by the rocky terrain and the presence of intermittent boulders.

In addition to the drilling operations, a “rescue rope ring” was also employed in an attempt to lift Bhagirath from the borewell, showcasing the urgency and resourcefulness of the rescuers involved in the operation.

Family Background and Circumstances

Bonie’s family had recently moved to the area, having arrived merely three days before the incident, while his father, Praveen Devasi, was in Pali district, Rajasthan, at the time of the event. The family were reportedly grazing sheep when the child, walking behind them, removed a stone cover from the borewell out of curiosity, leading to his fall.

The tragic incident has highlighted ongoing safety concerns related to uncovered borewells in rural regions of India. Authorities had reportedly been alerted to the need for greater vigilance regarding such potentially hazardous situations.

As the community mourns the loss of the young boy, it is essential to raise awareness about safety measures and preventive strategies to safeguard children from similar occurrences in the future.

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