DH NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jul 19
Three persons who were stranded in the Tawi River following a sudden rise in the water level were rescued safely in a prompt and coordinated operation carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) near the historic Peer Kho Temple on Sunday. The swift action of the rescue teams prevented a potential tragedy and ensured that all three individuals were brought to safety without any injuries. According to officials, the three men had entered the river for bathing when the water level rose unexpectedly due to changing weather conditions upstream. The sudden increase in the flow of water left them trapped in the middle of the river, making it impossible for them to return to the riverbank on their own.
As soon as information about the incident was received, police and SDRF personnel immediately mobilised rescue teams and rushed to the spot. The operation was supervised by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) City North, along with the Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Pacca Danga, the In-charge of Police Post Chowk Chabutra and personnel of the State Disaster Response Force.
Despite the challenging river conditions, the rescue teams acted swiftly and launched a carefully planned operation to reach the stranded individuals. Through coordinated efforts and timely intervention, all three men were safely evacuated from the river without sustaining any injuries.
The rescued persons were identified as Randeep Singh, a resident of Jhullaka Mohalla, Munish Sharma of Afghana Mohalla and Vikas Kumar, a native of Bihar who is presently residing near the Bus Stand area in Jammu. Officials said the successful rescue highlighted the importance of close coordination between various emergency response agencies.
The prompt response by the police and SDRF, coupled with effective planning and execution, ensured that the operation was completed safely and without any loss of life.
The incident once again underscored the dangers associated with entering rivers during the monsoon season, when water levels can rise rapidly due to rainfall in upstream areas. Authorities noted that even when the weather appears normal locally, sudden releases of water or heavy rainfall in catchment areas can cause rivers to swell within a short period, posing a serious risk to those entering the water.
Following the rescue, the Jammu and Kashmir Police issued a public advisory urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution near rivers and other water bodies during the ongoing monsoon season. People were advised to avoid bathing or venturing into the Tawi River, as water levels can increase suddenly without prior warning.
The police also appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that children remain away from rivers, streams and other potentially hazardous water bodies during periods of heavy rainfall. Officials emphasised that close supervision is essential to prevent accidents, particularly during the monsoon months.
Citizens were further requested to immediately inform the Police Control Room or the nearest police station in case of any emergency or if they notice individuals stranded or in distress near rivers or flood-prone areas. Timely reporting, officials said, enables emergency services to respond quickly and minimise risks to human life.
The successful rescue operation reflects the preparedness and commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the SDRF in responding to emergencies and protecting lives. Authorities have reiterated their appeal for public cooperation in following safety advisories to prevent avoidable incidents during the rainy season.
