Bathing in Tangmarg canal prohibited to prevent mishaps

Baramulla, July 6: The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gulmarg has issued an advisory prohibiting all water activities in the Babul Canal near the Range Office, Forest Tangmarg, to avoid any mishap and the damage to the canal.

The advisory, prompted by concerns from the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Irrigation Head Works Sub Division Tangmarg, aims to prevent potential accidents and damage to the canal.

The move has been initiated after Assistant Executive Engineer, Tangmarg, appraised the SDM through a communication that following the rise in temperature, scores of youths from areas like Baramulla, Sopore and Narbal are reportedly engaged in risky behaviour such as gymnastic somersaults, jumps and runs while bathing in the Babul Canal, thereby posing a significant threat to their life.

“There have been recent reports of accidents in similar scenarios across the Valley, raising serious concerns about the possibility of life-threatening incidents and severe damage to the canal. Such damage could potentially lead to an irrigation crisis,” reads the advisory.

Efforts by the Irrigation Department to educate the public and clear the canal of hazards have been largely ignored, prompting the SDM to take decisive action. “The advisory explicitly prohibits bathing, swimming, and other water activities in the Babul Canal and other vulnerable areas within the subdivision to prevent any unfortunate incidents,” reads advisory.

The Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Tangmarg and the AEE of the Irrigation Head Works Sub Division Tangmarg have been tasked with ensuring strict implementation of this advisory. Violators are warned of severe consequences.