Toddler Drowns in Water-Filled Pit in Greater Noida, Safety Lapses Alleged

A tragic incident in Greater Noida’s Dalelgarh village has sparked public outrage after a three-year-old child drowned in a water-filled pit on Saturday. The accident occurred nearly a month after a similar fatal incident in the region, raising renewed concerns about safety hazards and preventive measures.

The child, identified as Devansh, had travelled with his mother from Sikandrabad in Bulandshahr district to visit his maternal grandparents. The family was attending a community feast at a nearby temple when the incident took place.

How the Incident Happened

According to local accounts, the toddler was playing near the event venue when he slipped and fell into a deep pit filled with rainwater. Family members and villagers rushed to rescue him immediately. However, despite their efforts, the child was unresponsive when pulled out.

The sudden tragedy left the family in shock and mourning, while residents expressed anger over what they described as a preventable accident.

Residents Allege Negligence

Villagers stated that the pit had remained open for a long time and filled with water following recent rains. They claimed repeated complaints had been submitted to authorities requesting action to fill hazardous pits and implement safety measures.

Residents also pointed out that concerns had already been raised after a previous fatal incident in the area, but corrective action was allegedly not taken. The incident has intensified calls for stronger safety monitoring and risk prevention in residential and rural areas.

Authority Response

In response, the Greater Noida Authority stated that its team reached the site immediately after receiving information about the drowning. Officials said their inspection revealed that the pit was located on privately owned land registered to a local farmer and not on government property.

According to the authority, rainwater had accumulated in the excavation area on the private land, leading to the fatal accident.

Reminder of Recent Fatal Incident

The tragedy has revived memories of a similar incident last month in Sector 150, where a tech professional died after his vehicle plunged into a waterlogged pit. That incident drew widespread attention and raised serious questions about safety preparedness and hazard management.

With two fatal incidents occurring within weeks, residents and civic groups are urging authorities and landowners alike to identify dangerous excavations, ensure proper barricading, and implement preventive safety measures.

Growing Demand for Safety Measures

The latest incident highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent similar tragedies. Experts emphasize that open pits, construction excavations, and rainwater-filled depressions pose serious risks, especially to children.

Community members are calling for immediate safety audits, clear barricading of hazardous areas, warning signage, and accountability measures to ensure public safety.

As the region mourns another preventable loss, the tragedy underscores the importance of proactive safety measures and shared responsibility between authorities, landowners, and local communities.