6 felicitated in Odisha for saving lives in boat capsize

Two minor girls were among the six people felicitated by Odisha's Kendrapara administration Saturday for saving lives of several villagers following a boat capsize here.

A mechanised boat ferrying passengers capsized in the Mahanadi river Wednesday, apparently after losing balance. At least 10 people, including seven children, were killed in the incident.

State Women and Child Development Minister Prafulla Samal rewarded the six residents of Nipania village at Mahakalpada block of the district with a cheque of Rs 10,000 for their noble and timely action.

Collector Dasarathy Satpathy, who were present at the programme, said the "the brave souls have saved at least ten people".

"They wasted no time and dived into the rivulet and dragged ten persons out, mostly women and children. If not for their valour, the toll would have been higher," he said, adding that the administration will recommended their names for Jeevan Raksha Padak, a civilian lifesaving award instituted by the Union government.