Doda, June 25 — In response to a recent tragedy and to bolster public safety, the District Magistrate of Doda, Harvinder Singh, IAS, has imposed a complete ban on swimming, bathing, fishing, and roaming near the Chenab River and other nallahs and streams across the district, effective immediately. The order, issued on Wednesday, also prohibits school and college picnics or recreational activities near these water bodies without prior approval from the district administration.
The directive, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), comes in the wake of a tragic incident on Monday evening, where Basharat Hussain, a vicenarian fisherman and son of Zuhoor Din, drowned in Kalnai, a tributary of the Chenab River, in the Thathri area of Doda district. The Chenab Times reported earlier that Basharat, originally from Kahara and residing in Donadi, lost his life to the treacherous waters, highlighting the dangers posed by the region’s water bodies.
Citing the hazardous conditions of the Chenab River and various nallahs, marked by strong undercurrents, unpredictable depths, and slippery terrain, the District Magistrate emphasized the serious threat to human life. The Chenab Times learnt that the order follows several such incidents in the past, with the recent drowning of Basharat Hussain underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures, particularly during the summer season when youth and children frequent these areas for recreational activities.
The order prohibits all high-risk activities near water bodies within Doda’s jurisdiction and mandates that educational institutions seek prior permission from the district administration for any picnics or recreational activities in these areas, as per existing guidelines. “These water bodies are extremely hazardous, and it is essential to prohibit high-risk activities to ensure public safety,” the order stated.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, along with Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars, Station House Officers, and In-Charge Police Posts, have been directed to enforce the order strictly within their jurisdictions. Violators will face stringent legal action under relevant legal provisions, the order warned.
To ensure widespread awareness, the district administration has mandated the circulation of the order through print, electronic, and social media, as serving it individually is deemed impractical. The District Information Officer, Doda, has been tasked with publicizing the order, while Executive Officers of Municipal Committees in Doda, Bhaderwah, and Thathri, and Block Development Officers have been instructed to make public announcements. Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, and other senior officials, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, and Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Gandoh, Thathri, and Assar, for necessary action.
The Chenab Times spoke to local residents, who expressed a mix of support and concern. While many welcomed the ban as a critical step to prevent further tragedies, others highlighted the lack of alternative recreational spaces. “We understand the risks, especially after what happened to Basharat, but the administration should consider creating safe recreational areas for the youth,” said a Thathri resident, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times