Leh, July 01: A heart-breaking incident unfolded near Sindhu Ghat in Leh district late Sunday evening as a 17-year-old boy from Shey village was swept into the Indus River. The tragedy, which occurred despite early alerts to the Ladakh UT Disaster Response Force (UTDRF), has raised significant concerns over response times and equipment preparedness.
The incident occurred around 5:00 PM on Sunday, but despite prompt alerts, the UTDRF team allegedly arrived at the scene three hours later. Upon arrival, their rescue equipment was reported to be damaged, further delaying the commencement of rescue operations.
Responding to the criticisms, officials from the UTDRF acknowledged the delay but assured that efforts were underway. “Teams have been on-site since early morning, but locating the boy has been challenging. We have now strategized to divert river flow using five machines to lower water levels, aiding our search efforts,” stated a senior UTDRF official.
The incident has drawn criticism from political figures. Member of Parliament Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan, expressed his shock and sadness over the tragedy. In a statement on X, he urged the Lt Governor of Ladakh, Dr. B.D. Mishra, along with LAHDC Kargil and LAHDC Leh, to take decisive actions to enhance preparedness for future emergencies.
Jan’s post read, “Deeply saddened and shocked by the recent tragic incident near Sindhu Ghat, where a young boy was swept into the Indus River. I urge Hon’ble Lt Governor of Ladakh Dr. B.D. Mishra, LAHDC Kargil, LAHDC Leh, and relevant departments to take firm action and enhance preparedness to prevent such incidents in the future. Given concerns about the UTDRF personnel lacking adequate equipment and water level rise in Suru and Indus rivers, I also request ADGP Ladakh Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal (IPS) to ensure that the UTDRF team is properly equipped for prompt responses to such incidents.”
Senior Kargil political leader, Sajjad Kargili, also criticized the administration, attributing the tragedy to systemic neglect. “This tragic event underscores the persistent neglect faced by the people of Ladakh despite our status as a separate Union Territory. It is high time for the authorities to address these issues and ensure that such tragedies do not recur,” Kargili stated.
As rescue operations continue, local authorities are under mounting pressure to improve response mechanisms and ensure robust preparedness to avert similar tragedies in the future.
