8-Year-Old Drowns in Unfenced NTPC Waste Pond, Protest Erupts in Kokrajhar

KOKRAJHAR, July 23, 2026 — An eight-year-old boy drowned in an unfenced waste disposal pond belonging to NTPC Bongaigaon at Kathalguri near Dholmara in Kokrajhar district, triggering protests and allegations of negligence.

The victim, Chandan Roy (8), son of Jiban Roy of Kathalguri village, reportedly slipped into the deep pond on Wednesday morning while trying to retrieve a sandal that had fallen into the water as he played with friends.

Family members and villagers searched for the child after he went missing. His body was later found floating in the pond during the afternoon.

The incident sparked widespread anger among local residents and organisations, who alleged that the NTPC waste pond had remained open and without protective fencing for over a decade, posing a serious safety hazard. They also questioned the role of CISF personnel responsible for securing the area.

During a protest attended by district administration officials and NTPC representatives, the Dholmara Regional AKRASU demanded immediate construction of boundary walls or fencing around the two open NTPC ponds.

The organisation also sought an ex gratia payment of ₹20 lakh to the bereaved family and employment in NTPC for one eligible family member.