Patna: Three-year-old Piyush Kumar was rescued alive after a nearly seven-hour operation when he fell into an open borewell in Bihar’s Gaya district on Thursday evening. The rescue was carried out by a joint team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the district administration.
The child was immediately taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Fatehpur for medical examination and first aid. According to preliminary assessments, he was in stable condition.
Child Fell Into Open Borewell While Playing
The incident took place at around 6:28 PM in Rangoon Nagar under Fatehpur block. According to officials, Piyush was playing near his home when he accidentally fell into an open borewell that had been dug under the state’s Nal-Jal drinking water scheme.
Local residents alerted the authorities soon after the incident. Police, district officials and rescue personnel reached the site and launched an operation to retrieve the child.
Seven-Hour Rescue Operation
Rescuing the child required sustained technical effort because of the narrow borewell. Rescue personnel used specialised equipment and carefully coordinated the operation to ensure the child’s safety.
After nearly seven hours, the teams successfully brought Piyush out alive. The rescue was greeted with relief by family members and villagers who had gathered at the site throughout the operation.
Officials Monitored the Mission
Several senior officials remained present during the rescue, including Wazirganj Camp DSP Sunil Kumar Pandey, Circle Officer Amit Singh and Block Development Officer Shashi Bhushan Sahu. The district administration coordinated the operation alongside the NDRF and SDRF teams.
Health Department Preparedness Under Scrutiny
The incident also raised questions about emergency preparedness. Some local residents alleged that four of the five oxygen cylinders sent to the rescue site were empty.
Officials from the district administration managed the situation, while the Additional District Magistrate (Disaster Management) said the matter would be investigated and appropriate action would be taken if lapses were found.
Renewed Concerns Over Open Borewells
The rescue has been widely welcomed across Gaya district, with residents praising the efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, police and district administration.
The incident has also renewed concerns over the safety risks posed by open and uncovered borewells. Residents have urged authorities to identify and seal abandoned or unsecured borewells to prevent similar accidents in the future.
