Monsoon safety alert: Kangra Police urge public to avoid risky areas

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Dharamshala, July 4

Amid continuous rainfall across Kangra district, the district administration and police have appealed to residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution during the monsoon season, warning that strict legal action will be taken against those who endanger their lives by venturing into swollen rivers, streams or unsafe mountain trails. While talking to media, Kangra Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Veer Bahaduron Saturday said that the persistent heavy rainfall in Dharamshala and surrounding areas has caused river and stream levels to rise significantly, increasing the risk of accidents.

Despite the danger, ASP) Veer Bahaduron  said that that several tourists and residents continue to enter rivers and streams for bathing and recreation. He urged the public to completely avoid visiting rivers, streams and seasonal water channels during the monsoon to prevent loss of life and property. The ASP also advised trekkers planning to visit Triund, Adi Himani Chamunda and other mountain trails not to undertake journeys without proper information or the assistance of a local guide. He said poor weather conditions and dense cloud cover often cause trekkers to lose their way, while mobile network disruptions during the rainy season make rescue operations extremely challenging.

“Over the past few years, there have been several instances where it took months to trace missing persons,” Veer Bahadur said.

He added that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the district administration are fully prepared to respond to emergencies. However, trekkers must inform the local administration before starting any trek and should always be accompanied by a trained guide. The ASP also announced a strict crackdown on unauthorised cafés operating inside or along the banks of seasonal streams, including in the Khaniyara area. He said such establishments pose a serious threat to public safety.

According to Veer Bahadur, all Station House Officers have been directed to conduct raids on unauthorised cafés and issue immediate warnings to their operators. If violations continue, strict legal action will be initiated under the Police Act and the Disaster Management Act. The Authorities have reiterated their appeal for public cooperation, stressing that adherence to safety advisories is essential to prevent avoidable accidents during the monsoon season.