Tourist entry banned near Kangra rivers

In response to the rising number of drowning incidents, the Kangra district administration has deployed three home guards at Neugal river near the Kangra bypass to restrict tourist entry. This precautionary measure comes ahead of the monsoon season, which often brings sudden and dangerous surges in river water levels.

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Kangra SDM Ishant Jaswal informed reporters that the administration had already imposed a blanket ban on the entry and gathering of tourists and local residents near rivers, drains and other flood-prone areas across the district.

Jaswal noted that tourists frequently gather near rivers and ravines to take photographs or bathe, unaware of the potential dangers. Such behaviour has led to several tragic incidents in recent years.

The Baner river, in particular, has become a hotspot for such accidents, with 10 drowning deaths reported over the past year. During last year’s monsoon, three members of a family from Haryana lost their lives while bathing in the river. In the past week, five persons — including two Kashmiri youths and a young girl — have drowned in different ravines across Kangra district. The administration urges strict public cooperation.