Pay heed to warning

The advisory issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan asking people to stay away from unsafe water bodies is not a routine administrative notice. It is a serious warning rooted in repeated tragedies that continue to unfold across Kashmir during the summer months. Rising water levels in nallahs and canals, coupled with reckless public behaviour, have created a dangerous situation that demands both official intervention and public responsibility. Every year, reports emerge of young boys drowning while bathing in rivers, tourists slipping near waterfalls, or children venturing too close to canals without supervision. The Nallah Sindh, Wangath Nallah, PDC Canal and Barwalla Waterfall may appear calm and inviting, particularly during warmer days, but beneath the surface lie strong currents, slippery rocks and sudden water surges capable of turning a moment of leisure into disaster. The administration is correct in pointing out the absence of adequate safety infrastructure and rescue mechanisms at many such locations. However, advisories alone are not enough. Authorities must identify vulnerable spots and install warning signboards, protective fencing and emergency response systems. Seasonal deployment of rescue teams at accident-prone sites should also become standard practice. At the same time, society cannot absolve itself of responsibility. Parents must ensure children are not left unattended near water bodies, while schools and community organisations should actively spread awareness regarding water safety. Social media trends encouraging risky photography and adventure near fast-flowing streams must also be discouraged. Preventing drowning deaths requires a collective approach involving administration, families and local communities. The advisory from Kangan should serve as a wake-up call before another avoidable tragedy strikes.