Handwara: In light of the ongoing heatwave in Jammu and Kashmir, the Handwara administration has issued a strict advisory to prevent drowning incidents involving children in open water bodies.
The order, issued by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Handwara, warns against bathing in unregulated and unsafe water bodies such as Nallahs, rivers, streams, and ponds.
As per an order issued by Addl Deputy Commssioner Handwara a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS reads, In view of the prevailing heat wave in J&K, it has come to the notice of this office that a growing number of children in Sub-Division Handwara are bathing in open water bodies such as Nallahs, rivers, streams, and water ponds in an attempt to seek relief from the soaring temperatures.
Bathing in streams /Nallahs/Rivers/Water Ponds is always risky as these sites lack proper design, safety infrastructure, and rescue mechanisms, making them extremely unsafe, particularly for children. There are no formal or certified swimming facilities available at these locations, and past experiences have shown that such activities often lead to fatal drowning incidents, turning a moment of relief into a tragedy for families and communities, it reads.
Therefore in order to avoid drowning incidents in Handwara sub Divison, parents and guardians, are strongly advised to exercise strict vigilance over their children’s activities during this period and Children shall not be allowed to bathe in, enter, or play near any open water sources under any circumstances. Furthermore, to intensify monitoring, the following directions are issued, order reads.
Executive Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control Division, Handwara, is directed to activate field staff to maintain strict vigil at all vulnerable sites. All Tehsildars of Sub-Division Handwara shall mobilize Lumberdars and Chowkidars to assist in surveillance and discourage such risky activities, reads the order. (JKNS)
