Safety first: Kangra admn bans entry into rivers, ravines, flood-prone areas

Taking precautionary measures ahead of the monsoon season, the Kangra district administration has imposed a ban on the entry and gathering of tourists and local residents in rivers, drains and other flood-sensitive areas across the district. These orders have been issued by Hemraj Bairwa, District Magistrate of Kangra, to prevent any mishaps during possible flash floods and rising water levels during the rains.

The District Magistrate has directed the Jal Shakti Department to immediately identify all such vulnerable locations prone to flooding. The department has also been instructed to install warning signboards at these identified sites to caution people against venturing into dangerous areas.

In addition, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been tasked with coordinating this exercise in their respective sub-divisions to ensure that necessary measures are put in place well before the onset of the monsoon. The Jal Shakti Department has been asked to submit a detailed report to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on the installation of warning signboards within fifteen days.

Hemraj Bairwa said that due to heavy rains during the monsoon season, there is a possibility of a sudden rise in water levels in and around rivers, ravines and drains. He said that it has often been observed that during the monsoon, tourists gather near rivers and ravines to take photographs and selfies and many times accidents have occurred due to sudden surges in water levels.

In the past week alone, at least five people, including two Kashmiri youths and a young girl, have lost their lives by drowning in ravines in the Kangra district.

He added that the administration is fully alert in terms of disaster management and, as a precaution, tourists have been completely banned from visiting flood-sensitive areas around rivers, drains and ravines. He warned that those who do not comply with these orders may face legal action under prohibitory laws.

Furthermore, Bairwa stated that, for disaster management, instructions have also been issued to operate control rooms 24 hours a day at the district headquarters and sub-divisional levels during the monsoon season, so that any disaster situation at any level can be addressed promptly.

Himachal Tribune