Despite mishaps, no check on bathing in Sirhind canal

Tribune News Service

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Bathinda, August 6

Despite several incidents occurring in the past, people are still taking a bath in the Sirhind canal near Janta Nagar. Moreover, children jump from the parapet of the bridge into the canal.

Though the district administration has put a ban on bathing in the Sirhind canal, neither children nor youths follow the orders of the administration and continue to risk their lives.

One can see groups of children and youths taking a bath and swimming in the canal without any hesitation. From morning till evening, children can be seen taking baths in the canal. Moreover, people can be seen having beer and liquor as well.

Bhagwan Das, a city resident, said, “Earlier, policemen used to keep a tab on such activities around the canal, including washing clothes and bathing, but for the past many months, police officials, it seems, have ceased to stop people from washing clothes and swimming in the canal. Now, a group of women comes to the canal to wash their clothes.”

Mohinder Agarwal, another city resident, said, “It is surprising to see children taking bath and swimming in the canal without any restriction. The authorities concerned have to keep a tab on such activities, so that they can prevent any mishap in the future.”

Sushma Rani, a shopkeeper, said, “The path alongside the canal at Janta Nagar is not safe at all for women in the evening, because a number of people in groups sat there and drink liquor.”

According to information available, from the year 2013 till date, nearly 10 persons, including seven children and three youths, drowned in the Sirhind canal. Despite that, neither people nor the administration have learnt any lesson.