The Baijnath police on Friday successfully rescued several tourists who were stranded in the middle of the Salaba Waterfall near Baijnath in Kangra district after the water level rose suddenly due to rainfall. Despite repeated warnings and restrictions imposed by the district administration, a large number of visitors had gone to the waterfall area, which had been declared off-limits during the monsoon season due to the risk of flash floods caused by heavy rain in the Dhauladhar hills. Several tourists became trapped in fast-flowing water following a sudden surge in the stream, triggering panic among the group.
Rescue Operation by Police
Upon receiving information about the incident, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Baijnath, along with a police team, immediately reached the spot and launched a rescue operation. The police safely evacuated all stranded tourists from the dangerous waters. After the rescue, officials briefed the visitors about the prohibitory orders issued by the administration and warned them against entering restricted areas during the rainy season. They urged the tourists to follow safety guidelines and avoid taking unnecessary risks by going near rivers, streams, and waterfalls.
Background of Restrictions
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Baijnath, Sankalp Gautam, had on June 24 declared the Salaba Waterfall out of bounds for tourists and local residents during the monsoon season to prevent accidents caused by a sudden rise in its water level. He stated that the restrictions had been imposed solely with public safety in mind. He appealed to local residents and tourists to stay away from rivers, seasonal streams, and waterfalls during the monsoon and to cooperate with the administration and police to avoid any untoward incidents. Despite these warnings, many tourists ignored the ban, leading to the dangerous situation that required police intervention.
Safety Advisory for Tourists
Officials reiterated that monsoon season brings unpredictable weather and sudden water level changes in hilly areas. They advised all visitors to adhere to government advisories and refrain from venturing into prohibited zones. The Baijnath police emphasized that such rescues put additional strain on resources and urged everyone to prioritize safety over sightseeing. The district administration continues to monitor the situation and may enforce stricter penalties for violators of the restrictions.
