Trekking Tragedy Near Manali
A 28-year-old tourist from Jammu and Kashmir lost his life after being swept away by a sudden surge in a mountain stream while returning from a trekking expedition near Manali. The deceased, identified as Dhananjay Verma, a resident of Udhampur, was leading a group of 10 trekkers in the Shanag and Majhach areas. The incident occurred on Saturday evening as the group attempted to cross the Majhach stream after completing their trek. Without warning, the water level rose dramatically, and the strong current carried Verma away before his fellow trekkers could rescue him.
Search Operation and Recovery
Upon receiving the information, Manali police immediately rushed to the spot and launched a search operation. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) based at Solang Nala and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) later joined the efforts, which continued through the night. The search concluded on Sunday morning when rescue teams located Verma’s body along the banks of the Beas River near Vashisht. His brother, Kanav Verma, who was part of the same trekking group, identified the body. With the assistance of NDRF and SDRF personnel, the body was recovered from the riverbank.
Officials Confirm Legal Formalities
Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police KD Sharma confirmed the recovery and stated that the police had initiated legal formalities. “The body has been recovered with the help of NDRF and SDRF teams. After completing the post-mortem examination and other legal procedures, it will be handed over to the family,” he said. The other members of the trekking group are safe and have been accounted for.
Monsoon Risks in Mountain Streams
The incident highlights the inherent dangers of sudden surges in mountain streams, particularly during the monsoon season. Trekkers and tourists are advised to exercise extreme caution while crossing water channels in hilly terrain, as water levels can rise rapidly without warning due to upstream rainfall or snowmelt. Authorities have previously issued warnings about the unpredictability of such streams and the importance of checking weather conditions before embarking on treks. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the need for preparedness and vigilance in outdoor adventures.
