KKN Gurugram Desk | In a heart-wrenching incident at Gandhi Ghat, Patna, two students drowned while taking selfies in the Ganges on Wednesday evening. One of them was rescued using a life jacket thrown from a tourism department boat, while the other student’s body was recovered shortly after. This tragic event once again highlights the dangers of taking selfies near water bodies and the risks associated with underestimating the power of flowing rivers.

The Incident at Gandhi Ghat: A Call for Caution

Around 6 PM on Wednesday, two students from the Pirbahore area of Patna went to Gandhi Ghat to take a dip in the Ganges. They were standing under Pillar No. 59 on the JP Ganga Path when the incident occurred. According to local eyewitnesses, while bathing, the students were repeatedly taking selfies, unaware of the depth of the river. As one of the students ventured deeper into the water, he failed to realize the increasing depth, and soon, he was swept away by the strong currents.

Upon noticing his friend drowning, the other student jumped into the river in an attempt to save him. However, he too was caught in the rapid flow of water. The loud cries for help from both students alarmed the people present at the ghat, and chaos ensued.

Immediate Rescue Efforts and Partial Success

At the time of the incident, a tourism department boat was stationed nearby at the ghat. Upon spotting the drowning students, the crew immediately threw a life jacket towards the water. Fortunately, one of the students managed to grab the life jacket and was rescued, while the other student continued to be dragged by the strong current.

Despite immediate rescue attempts, the second student was carried away by the flow of the river. Search operations began promptly, and the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) team, along with local divers, arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. After nearly half an hour, the body of the missing student was found a short distance from Pillar No. 59.

Body Recovered and Chaos at the Ghat

The body of the deceased student was recovered from the river and brought to the ghat. The news spread quickly, and the scene turned somber as onlookers gathered. The rescued student was in a state of shock, repeatedly crying and fainting, unable to come to terms with the tragedy.

The police from Pirbahore police station arrived at the scene, confirmed the tragic event, and took the body for post-mortem. They informed the family of the deceased and began an investigation to identify the students, determine their school or college affiliations, and gather more details.

A Repeated Tragedy: Lessons from History

Incidents like this are not uncommon at the Ganga ghats. Every year, there are reports of young lives lost in similar tragic accidents, often resulting from reckless behavior such as taking selfies near rivers. The desire to capture the perfect selfie in such dangerous locations continues to be a growing concern. This tragic event is yet another stark reminder of the risks posed by water bodies, especially during the wedding season or festive times when ghats are crowded.

Police’s Appeal: Stay Cautious Around Water Bodies

The Pirbahore police chief, in an official statement, expressed his condolences over the loss of the young life and advised the public to remain cautious while taking selfies near dangerous areas like rivers and ghats. He specifically urged people to avoid risky activities such as swimming in the Ganges without adequate knowledge of the water’s depth and current. The police also stressed the importance of staying vigilant, especially when near large water bodies.

Furthermore, the police chief confirmed that they had found a mobile phone near the scene, which helped them identify the victims. He assured that further investigation would proceed after the post-mortem report is received.

Selfie Culture and Its Growing Danger

The incident underscores a troubling trend of reckless selfie-taking, especially in hazardous locations. Social media culture has contributed to this growing phenomenon, where people, especially the youth, go to extreme lengths to capture the perfect photo or video, often disregarding the dangers associated with certain locations. Many of these tragic incidents occur in places like mountain cliffs, beaches, and rivers, where the risks are significant but overlooked in the pursuit of ‘likes’ and virtual validation.

According to experts, taking selfies in dangerous locations, particularly near water bodies like the Ganges, can lead to disastrous consequences. The strong currents of rivers like the Ganges can easily sweep away individuals, even if they are good swimmers. Furthermore, the lack of awareness about the river’s depth and flow can lead to fatal accidents, as seen in this case.

The Role of Authorities in Preventing Such Accidents

To prevent such incidents, local authorities, along with tourism departments, need to take proactive steps. This includes installing safety measures like warning signs, barriers, and possibly even designated safe areas for taking photos. The tourism department could also consider deploying more trained personnel around popular ghats and rivers, equipped with rescue equipment like life jackets, to provide timely assistance in case of emergencies.

Additionally, there is a pressing need for public awareness campaigns that educate the public, particularly the youth, about the risks associated with selfie-taking near water bodies. Schools, colleges, and social media platforms can play an important role in spreading awareness and encouraging safer behavior. Public service announcements, along with safety guidelines at tourist spots, could also significantly reduce the occurrence of such accidents.

This tragic incident at Gandhi Ghat serves as a reminder that safety should always be the priority when visiting tourist locations, especially those near water bodies. The allure of taking selfies in picturesque locations should not outweigh the importance of staying safe and being aware of the potential dangers. Parents, educators, and authorities must work together to ensure that young people understand the risks and take the necessary precautions.

While technology and social media have made selfies a popular part of our lives, it’s crucial to remember that life is far more valuable than any photograph. As we move forward, ensuring public safety and preventing such accidents must become a priority, not just for the authorities, but for individuals themselves.