People putting their lives at risk

Rajinder Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, June 26

Despite directions issued by the Panchkula District Administration to stop people from entering the Ghaggar and other rivers in the district, people are still putting their lives at risk.

Those living on the banks of the Ghaggar still continue to move in the river water in search of coins and other domestic items daily.

People, especially children, entering or diving into the Ghaggar to get wooden or some other articles flowing on the riverbed is a common sight.

Recently, Panchkula Deputy Commissioner had issued directions to stop these people from entering the river. In the orders, it was stated that the water level in these rivers rises during the rainy season. The orders were passed for the safety of human lives.

However, it seems that the district administration has not learnt any lesson from the past incidents as there is no check on the people who still continue to enter the river.

On Monday as well, people were seen entering the river to get wooden or some other articles flowing in the river. Huge amount of articles such as coconuts, coins, iron items, wire, wood and other things thrown by religious minded people from the bridge are found on the bed of the Ghaggar.

Meanwhile despite repeated attempts, Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Gauri Prashar Joshi could not be contacted.

The directions

Recently, Panchkula Deputy Commissioner had issued directions to stop these people from entering the river. In the orders, it was stated that the water level in these rivers rises during the rainy season.

Past incidents 

• July 2013: Six youths were washed away in flash floods in the Ghaggar at Burj Kotian. Later, their bodies were recovered.  
• July 2015: Three IAF personnel in their early 20s drowned in the Ghaggar at Chamala village in Morni. The bodies of all three victims were fished out by residents of the nearby area.
• July 2016: Two girls were washed away in the Ghaggar near Brijkotia village. Their bodies were later recovered.

Articles thrown by people into river

On Monday as well, people were seen entering the river to get wooden or some other articles flowing in the river. Huge amount of articles such as coconuts, coins, iron items, wire, wood and other things thrown by religious-minded people from the bridge are found on the bed of the Ghaggar.