Chandigarh Student Drowns in Ghaggar River During Morni Hills Outing
A fun weekend trip to the scenic Morni hills turned into a devastating tragedy for a group of friends from Chandigarh, resulting in the drowning of a 22-year-old student. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Ghaggar river near Thapli, close to Morni, highlighting the hidden dangers of seemingly calm water bodies.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The victim, identified as Abhishek, was a third-year BA student residing in Ram Darbar, Chandigarh. He was part of a group of eight friends who embarked on a motorcycle outing to the popular Morni hills area. While swimming in the Ghaggar river, Abhishek reportedly slipped into a deep patch of water. Police investigations reveal that the river stretch, which appears shallow with slow-moving water, contains sudden deep pockets measuring approximately 15 to 16 feet in depth.
Police officials stated, "The group failed to notice the depth variation. The youth likely did not know how to swim and got trapped in a deep section." This underscores the deceptive nature of the river's topography, where uneven depths can catch visitors off guard.
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
Upon realizing Abhishek was in distress, his friends immediately attempted to rescue him and raised an alarm for help. Locals and police personnel rushed to the spot, managing to pull him out of the water. He was swiftly transported to the civil hospital in Panchkula, but doctors declared him brought dead upon arrival.
Abhishek, described as a diligent individual, worked part-time to support his family, adding a layer of sorrow to the community's loss. The incident has sent shockwaves through Chandigarh and surrounding areas, prompting calls for increased safety awareness.
Police Warning and Safety Concerns
In the wake of this tragedy, police have issued a stern caution to visitors of the Morni region. They emphasize that rivers in this area, including the Ghaggar, can pose serious risks due to:
- Uneven depth profiles that are not immediately visible.
- Hidden deep patches that can trap unsuspecting swimmers.
- The potential for strong currents beneath calm surface water.
Authorities urge tourists to exercise extreme caution when entering rivers, recommending that only experienced swimmers venture into unknown waters and always under supervision. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of water safety, especially in natural settings where conditions can be unpredictable.
The local community and Abhishek's friends are mourning the loss, while police continue to investigate the circumstances to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
