Mudassir Kuloo
Srinagar, July 4: A series of drowning incidents reported from different parts of Kashmir over the past few days has raised serious concerns about the safety of children and young people who are increasingly flocking to rivers, streams and other water bodies to escape the sweltering summer heat.
According to reports, drowning incidents were reported from Harwan on the outskirts of Srinagar, Lasjan, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Shopian. While timely rescue efforts saved some of those who slipped into deep waters, at least two children lost their lives, while others continue to battle for their lives in hospitals.
The incidents have left families devastated and sparked renewed calls for greater awareness, parental supervision and improved safety measures around water bodies.
Muneer Ahmad, a social activist, said many children venture into rivers and streams without knowing how to swim, exposing themselves to grave danger.
“Parents should not allow their children to visit water bodies unsupervised. Many children go bathing in rivers and streams without basic swimming skills, which can prove fatal,” he said.
Parents expressed deep concern over the increasing number of such incidents and urged families to remain vigilant during the ongoing heatwave.
A parent from Srinagar, Abdul Rashid, said, “The weather is extremely hot, and children naturally want to cool off. But no outing to a river or canal should be without adult supervision. A few moments of carelessness can lead to lifelong regret.”
Another parent from Shopian, Shabnam Bano, appealed to both parents and the authorities to take preventive measures.
“We cannot keep children indoors all the time, but we can educate them about the dangers of deep water. Schools, parents and local communities should work together to raise awareness so that more innocent lives are not lost,” she said.
Residents also urged the administration to identify vulnerable spots, install warning signboards, erect protective fencing where feasible, and deploy rescue personnel at popular bathing locations during the summer season.
Experts say that with temperatures expected to remain high, more youngsters are likely to visit water bodies in the coming weeks. They stressed that awareness campaigns, swimming education, parental supervision and a prompt emergency response can significantly reduce drowning incidents.
