In Rajasthan’s Alwar district, an 8-year-old boy fell into an open borewell while chasing a kite in Butoli village under the Barodamev area on Monday evening. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued the child after an operation lasting about five hours.
According to local residents, 8-year-old Bhanu Gurjar was running after a cut kite at around 6 pm when he fell into an open borewell. The incident prompted nearby residents to alert the administration and begin rescue efforts.
The borewell was reportedly about 300 feet deep, while the child was trapped at a depth of approximately 48 feet. The rescue team continued the operation after receiving the child’s voice and responses from inside the borewell.
The rescue team inserted a camera and rope into the borewell to assess the child’s position. Oxygen was also supplied through a pipe to ensure adequate oxygen inside the borewell.
The team maintained contact with the child while working to keep him in a safe condition and remove him without creating additional risks.
When removing the child directly through the borewell proved difficult, the rescue team began digging a parallel passage. Three JCB machines were used to excavate the area beside the borewell.
The team faced the risk of soil and pipe collapse during excavation, prompting a temporary halt to the process. The rescue operation was then adjusted to pursue another method of reaching the child.
The rescue team also sought help from a local resident named Issar, who had previously assisted in rescue operations involving wells and water-related accidents.
After permission from the SP, an attempt was made to lower Issar into the borewell with safety arrangements. He was lowered upside down in an effort to reach the child, but a stone in the passage prevented him from reaching Bhanu.
The SDRF team subsequently continued the rescue using other technical methods.
The rescue team used a camera to monitor the child’s position inside the borewell. After assessing his condition, the team began the process of pulling him out with a rope.
Bhanu was brought up carefully and was rescued at around 11 pm after approximately five hours of efforts.
Around 10 SDRF personnel were involved in the rescue operation. The team assessed the situation and carried out rescue efforts at different levels.
The operation focused on supplying oxygen to the child, monitoring his condition and removing him safely. The team worked on several options, including excavation and the use of equipment inside the borewell.
The depth of the borewell and the risk of damage to the surrounding soil and structure posed challenges during the operation. The rescue team therefore prioritised safety while carrying out each step.
The Alwar incident has again highlighted the need to safely close open and unused borewells. Open borewells in rural and agricultural areas can pose a serious risk to children.
Such incidents can leave children trapped deep inside borewells, requiring rescue operations that can last for hours. During these operations, risks including oxygen shortage, soil collapse and injury to the child remain.
Unused or open borewells should be securely closed, while warning signs and safety barriers should be placed around such locations.
After Bhanu was safely brought out, his family and local residents expressed relief. Local people also assisted the rescue team during the approximately five-hour operation.
Issar also attempted to reach the child as part of the rescue effort.
The child’s safe rescue after remaining trapped inside the borewell for an extended period was the outcome of the operation.
The incident has again highlighted the need for greater vigilance around open borewells, particularly in villages and agricultural areas where children or other people may unknowingly approach them.
Leaving a borewell open after it is no longer in use can lead to serious accidents. Monitoring such locations and ensuring that unused borewells are safely closed can help prevent accidents.
