Jagran Correspondent, Haridwar: Four minor Kanwar pilgrims from Chandigarh drowned in the Ganga Canal near the Jatwada Bridge in Haridwar’s Jwalapur area on Friday.
According to police, the victims were part of a 17-member group who had come to Haridwar to collect Ganga water. The incident occurred during their return journey, when the group stopped near the Jatwada Bridge to bathe in the canal.
Upon receiving information about the incident, rescue teams rushed to the spot and initiated an operation. Further details are awaited.
What Led To Drowning Of Kanwar Pilgrims In Ganga Canal?
According to a report by Jagran.com, continuous heavy rainfall in the mountains had caused significant silt buildup in the Ganga Canal over recent days. As a safety measure, authorities had closed the canal. However, there were deep pits in the middle of the canal that were filled with large volumes of water.
While bathing, the four pilgrims, all aged between 16 and 17, are believed to have accidentally stepped into one of these deep pits and drowned.
Deceased Identified
Police have identified the four minor Kanwar pilgrims who died in the incident:
– Shivanshu (16): Son of Pawan Singh
– Nitesh: Son of Rajesh
– Bharat: Son of Harish (Resident of Sector 16, Chandigarh)
– Rohit: Son of Bhawani Prajapati (Resident of Sector 26/30, Chandigarh)
Ganga Dussehra Tragedy
In a separate incident during Ganga Dussehra, 31 devotees drowned while bathing in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun and Bareilly districts. Seven of them died, while the remaining 24 were saved due to the timely intervention of rescue divers.
Following the incident in Badaun, District Magistrate Avinash Rai and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ankita Sharma visited the Ganga Ghat, urging the public to avoid venturing into deep waters.