In what could have been a rerun of the recent Lonavala (Pune) tragedy, six tourists were rescued from a seasonal stream, or ‘nullah’, in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday (July 2, 2024) morning.
The incident occurred at Banair Khud when the tourists, hailing incidentally from Lonavala in Maharashtra’s Pune, ventured into the water for a bath. Suddenly, the water level surged, trapping them in the middle of the stream.
The local administration, after considerable effort, successfully rescued all the tourists. They had arrived at Banair Khud around 9 am to escape the heat and started bathing. The sudden rise in the water level, due to overnight rainfall, created a life-threatening situation. Local residents played a crucial role in the rescue operation, ensuring everyone was brought to safety.
The Himachal government has been consistently advising both locals and tourists to avoid rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas, especially during the rainy season. However, many tourists continue to ignore these warnings, venturing into hazardous areas and risking their lives.
The sudden increase in water levels is often caused by rain in the high mountains, leading to dangerous situations like the one in Banair Khud.
Lonavala tragedy stark reminder
The recent incident in Kangra brings to mind the tragic drowning in Lonavala on Sunday (June 30, 2024). Five persons, including four from a family and three children, drowned in a waterfall behind the Bhushi Dam. The family from Hadapsar in Pune had gone to Lonavala for a picnic. The initial low water flow in the waterfall turned into a deadly torrent due to heavy rain, sweeping 10 tourists away. Despite rescue efforts, five could not be saved.
Government advisory
The Himachal government had reiterated its appeal to residents and tourists to stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas, especially during heavy rains. With the orange and yellow alerts issued, it is crucial to adhere to these warnings to prevent any further incidents.
The recent incidents in Kangra and Lonavala serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable and often deadly nature of natural water bodies during the monsoon season.
