In the quiet village of Badiyali Dhani, Rajasthan, a tragedy unfolded that gripped the hearts of many. Three-year-old Chetna, full of the playful energy of childhood, fell into a 150-foot-deep borewell on her father’s farm on December 23. What began as an innocent day of play turned into a desperate struggle for her life.
The first attempts to rescue her were simple—a ring lowered in hopes of pulling her out. But as the hours turned into days, it became clear that the task was far more complex. By the time rescue teams brought in heavy machinery and began digging a parallel tunnel, they faced daunting challenges: unyielding rock formations, relentless rain, and the haunting race against time. For over 160 hours, day and night, rescuers toiled, driven by the hope of saving Chetna. It was one of the longest and toughest operations the region had ever seen.
Her family, meanwhile, lived a nightmare. “She’s hungry, she’s thirsty. How much longer can she hold on?” her mother pleaded as each passing hour deepened their anguish. The delay in the operation added to their despair. Former minister Rajendra Singh Gudha echoed their frustrations, criticizing both the family for leaving the borewell uncovered and the administration for what he called a slow response. “The efforts we’re seeing now should have started immediately,” he said, visibly shaken by the gravity of the situation.
Finally, on Wednesday evening, after seven grueling days, the rescuers reached Chetna. She was immediately rushed to the hospital. For a brief moment, hope flickered—officials reported that she was stable and under close observation. But life, fragile and unpredictable, had other plans. Just hours after her rescue, Chetna passed away, leaving a village—and a nation—mourning the loss of a child whose fight for survival touched countless hearts.
The tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers posed by uncovered borewells and the urgent need for better safety measures. Yet, amid the sorrow, it also highlighted the tireless determination of those who fought against all odds to save her. For her family, the pain of losing their little girl will never fade. But to many, Chetna’s story will forever symbolize the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in protecting it.
Link to article –
Rajasthan: 3-year-old girl, who was rescued 10 days after falling into borewell, dies
