Holi Celebrations Turn Tragic as Two Men Drown in Uttarakhand Rivers
Dehradun: A somber cloud has descended over the festive spirit of Holi in Uttarakhand as two separate drowning incidents claimed one life and left another man missing. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) officials confirmed on Thursday that a 31-year-old man from Haryana drowned in the Ganga river at Rishikesh during Holi celebrations on Wednesday. In a parallel tragedy, another man from Bihar went missing after being swept away in the Alaknanda river in Srinagar.
Vigilance Efforts and Swift Currents Lead to Rescue Attempt
Officials detailed that a team from the Dhalwala post was deployed near Nim Beach in Rishikesh as part of enhanced safety and vigilance arrangements during the festival. The team, led by sub-inspector Surendra Singh, was patrolling the stretch between Nim Beach and Laxman Jhula on a motorboat when it witnessed a man being swept away by a swift current, stated Vineet Kumar, SDRF spokesperson. Despite immediate rescue efforts, the outcome was heartbreaking.
First Incident: Haryana Man Succumbs After CPR Efforts
The rescued man was administered CPR on-site and then urgently shifted to a nearby hospital. Tragically, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. He has been identified as Akshay Kumar from Faridabad district in Haryana. Akshay, along with his friend Abhishek, had traveled to Rishikesh specifically to celebrate Holi. He slipped while bathing in the river, leading to the fatal incident. Inspector Pankaj Chauhan from Muni Ki Reti police station provided further personal details, noting, Akshay worked at a private company, was the only son in his family, and had gotten married just a year ago.
Second Incident: Search Operation for Missing Bihar Laborer
In a separate and ongoing tragedy, a search operation is currently underway for Deepak Kumar, a resident of Darbhanga district in Bihar. He reportedly drowned in the Alaknanda river in Srinagar. Officials explained that Deepak, a laborer, had gone to bathe in the river after playing Holi when he accidentally moved into deeper waters and was swept away by the strong current. Local police and SDRF teams are combing the area in hopes of locating him.
Safety Concerns Amid Festival Celebrations
These incidents highlight the critical importance of water safety during festive periods, especially in riverine areas known for unpredictable currents. The SDRF's deployment underscores proactive measures, yet the powerful flow of rivers like the Ganga and Alaknanda poses significant risks. Authorities urge celebrants to exercise extreme caution near water bodies and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent such tragedies in the future.
