PRAYAGRAJ, Jan. 6 -- Drowning emerged as the leading cause of unnatural deaths in Prayagraj in 2025, with 100 fatalities accounting for nearly 59% of all cases eligible for compensation under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Official records show that 170 people died in various calamities covered under SDRF last year, with the state government disbursing Rs.6.80 crore in compensation to affected families.

Families of drowning victims received Rs.4 crore in total, with each receiving the mandated Rs.4 lakh. The state government had recognised death by drowning as a disaster in 2021, making families eligible for financial assistance in cases involving rivers, lakes, wells, canals, pits or ponds.

ADM (Finance and Revenue) Vinita Sing...