Tourists risk lives by venturing close to rivers in Kangra valley

Despite repeated High Court directives to ensure tourist safety, the Kangra valley continues to witness a chilling trend — tourists ignoring warnings and venturing into treacherous rivers, often with fatal consequences.

Four years ago, the Himachal Pradesh High Court, responding to a PIL filed after the tragic Mandi incident where 24 engineering students from Andhra were swept away, ordered the state government to act decisively. The court mandated clear warning signs and safety measures to prevent such disasters from recurring. Yet, little has changed on the ground.

The roads leading to riverbeds remain open. Barricades are missing, and in several tourist hotspots like Palampur and Baijnath, visitors can be seen bathing, picnicking, and posing for pictures on slippery rocks along the riverbanks—completely oblivious to the looming danger.

In the past month alone, 10 lives have been lost—tourists and locals alike—drowning in the district’s rivers and rivulets. The most heart-wrenching of these was the death of three family members who drowned in the Neugal river near Thural. Days earlier, three tourists met a similar fate near Kangra.

The Neugal river, which tumbles down from the Dhauladhar hills, is notorious for its sudden surges and swift undercurrents. During the monsoon, its deceptively calm surface can turn into a raging torrent within minutes if it rains upstream.

Locals report that tourists ignore both verbal warnings and cautionary signage. “They just want the perfect photo,” said a resident near Neugal. “But one wrong step, one sudden rise in water, and it’s over.”

A senior officer admitted that despite efforts to install multiple warning signs, the impact remains minimal. “Some tourists disregard them completely. They endanger not only themselves but also the rescuers who try to save them.”

Tourism is a vital lifeline for Kangra valley, drawing thousands each year with its stunning vistas and spiritual charm. But the influx has also stretched local resources, especially during the peak season when rivers swell and the risk of accidents spikes.

“We appeal to all visitors,” said SHO Bhupinder Singh. “Admire the rivers, but from a safe distance. There are marked spots for enjoying the scenery — venture beyond those, and you put your life at stake.”

As the rains intensify, the call for stricter enforcement grows louder. Unless tourists heed the warnings and the administration clamps down on access to danger zones, Kangra’s rivers will continue to claim lives—silent witnesses to preventable tragedies.