Kurukshetra cops warn people to stay away from canals

The Kurukshetra police have started an awareness drive to avoid untoward incidents in rivers and canals during the summer season in the district. With the rising temperature, youngsters can be spotted taking dips in canals, rivers and village ponds to beat the heat, but it is a risky practice.

Kurukshetra police spokesman Naresh Kumar said, “There have been incidents of young boys losing their lives while swimming in Kurukshetra. The locations where such incidents have been reported in the past have been identified and directions have been issued by the Superintendent of Police to keep a close watch along the canals. Patrolling has been increased. Though warning boards are installed asking people not to swim in canals and rivers, youngsters and children continue to swim in the rivers and some end up losing their lives.”

“To avoid any untoward incident, a special campaign is being run and the police officials have been asking people not to swim in the rivers, canals and village ponds, else action will be taken against them. The department has also asked the village panchayats to make announcements in the villages in this regard”, he added.

In his directions to the Station House Officers, Superintendent of Police Varun Singla has asked them to keep a close watch on the canals in their respective areas. As per the directions, during the summers, the youth come to the banks of the canal to have fun with their friends and it has often been seen that they also consume alcohol. While swimming in intoxicated condition, people often die by drowning in the canal. The police department is making every effort to prevent such incidents. People are requested not to use canals, rivers and village ponds for bathing.

As per the Kurukshetra police, warning boards are installed at major locations along the canals passing through the jurisdictions of Jhansa Police Station, Jyotisar police post, and Third Gate police post. People living in the villages along the canals are also appealed to cooperate with the police to prevent such incidents. If any youth is found bathing in the canal, then people should inform the nearest police station or dial 112 so that legal action can be taken against such people and lives can also be saved.