Kangra admn advises people against going near rivers

In the wake of the recent incident in which nine labourers of private power companies were washed away in Manuni khud near Dharamsala, the Kangra district administration has issued an advisory barring tourists from going close to rivers and entering water streams in the region.

The Dharamsala incident has raised serious concerns over public safety as tourist season is underway.

Thousands of tourists rush to the Kangra valley during in the summer months. Many of them venture dangerously close to riverbanks for recreation, photography and clicking selfies.

These activities, however, pose serious risks due to strong water currents and slippery rocks, especially with rising water levels caused by heavy rains and cloudbursts in the Dhauladhars range.

To curb such accidents, the district administration has initiated stringent measures. Those found violating the directive could face imprisonment or fine or both.

A senior police officer told The Tribune that District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa had already urged tourists to act in a responsible manner and not to risk their lives for such thrills.

The police have intensified surveillance at key tourist spots and riversides.

Officials are continuously monitoring tourist activity in all the rivers and rivulets of the district to ensure compliance with the advisory.