Drowning incidents: Sonamarg Development Authority issues advisory
Sonamarg, Jun 13: With the rising temperatures and increasing influx of both local and non-local tourists at the popular destination of Sonamarg, the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has issued an advisory to ensure the safety of visitors and the protection of the environment. The advisory has been issued also for the preventive measures to avoid drowning Incidents. “It has been observed that due to the rising temperatures and increasing rush of both non-local and local tourists at Sonamarg tourist destination, many visitors especially children and tourists, are increasingly entering the Sindh Nallah, from Gagangeer to the Fish Point area of Sonamarg , to seek relief from the heat.
These water bodies are unsafe for bathing and have unpredictable currents, which may lead to fatal drowning incidents” reads the advisory by the Chief Executive Officer SDA Bilal Mukhtar.
It said, “ To prevent such mishaps and ensure public safety, the tourists and locals are strictly advised not to bathe in or enter any river, stream, or waterfall in Sonamarg Parents and guardians must keep watch over children and ensure to stay away from water bodies, adding that Tourism stakeholders (hoteliers, ponywalas, guides, etc.) must inform and caution visitors about the risks”. Also warning signage has already been installed at vulnerable spots, and all are informed to strictly follow the directions. Police and field staff shall monitor all vulnerable locations and discourage such activities. SDA officials said that additionally, it has been observed that a large number of visitors and campers are erecting tents close to the riverbanks and improperly disposing of garbage in open areas. Such behavior endangers the ecological balance and spoils the natural beauty of Sonamarg. To maintain cleanliness and environmental safety, visitors and campers are advised not to erect tents in close proximity to the Nallah Sindh and avoid disposing of garbage in open surroundings. The visitors are advised to collect all waste and dispose it responsibly in designated dustbins placed across Sonamarg. The Sonamarg Development Authority urges all visitors to act responsibly and cooperate in preserving the sanctity and safety of this breathtaking tourist destination.
