Aqzar Raheel 

Ganderbal, May 8: The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kangan has issued an advisory urging people to stay away from rivers, nallahs and other open water bodies amid rising water levels in the sub-division.

The advisory stated that a growing number of people, including children, youth and elderly persons, were venturing near vulnerable spots such as Nallah Sindh, Wangath Nallah, PDC Canal and Barwalla Waterfall despite the absence of proper safety infrastructure and rescue mechanisms.

It warned that such locations remain highly unsafe and that several drowning incidents reported in the past had resulted in tragic loss of lives.

The administration advised the public not to enter, play or venture near any open water source under any circumstances.

Parents and guardians were also asked to maintain strict vigilance over children and prevent them from going near rivers, canals and nallahs.

To strengthen monitoring, the administration directed the Assistant Executive Engineer CMD/Generation USHP-II Kangan and the Assistant Executive Engineer Flood Control Division Ganderbal to activate field staff and maintain strict vigil at vulnerable locations.

Tehsildars of Kangan and Gund have been asked to mobilise Lumberdars and Chowkidars to assist in surveillance and discourage risky activities, while Station House Officers of Kangan, Ganderbal, Gund and Sonamarg have been directed to keep strict vigil around water bodies.

The advisory was issued in view of the increasing risk posed by rising water levels in the region.