Srinagar, Apr 17: The search operation to retrieve the bodies of the missing trio in the Gandbal boat capsize incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has entered its second day. Despite the involvement of Marcos (Marine Commandos), there is still no trace of the missing individuals.
Officials stated that the search operation continued during the night hours to locate the missing trio at the earliest. Every effort is being made to retrieve them as soon as possible.
On Tuesday, a tragic incident unfolded when a boat carrying 15 persons, including school children, capsized in a swollen river. The devastating event claimed the lives of six people, including a mother and her two sons, while three others are still missing. Fortunately, prompt action by locals and the administration led to the successful rescue of six individuals.
Expressing anger, several people have taken to social media, criticising the administration for prioritising beautification projects over addressing real issues faced by the community. Images of smart city projects and an incomplete bridge have circulated online, sparking outrage among netizens.
Eyewitnesses reported that a rope used to guide the boat had snapped due to the force of fast-flowing water, causing the boat to collide with a pillar of a partially built footbridge nearby.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, affirmed that search efforts to locate the missing individuals from the depths of the river Jhelum are ongoing. He mentioned that all police stations along the river had been placed on high alert to monitor any signs of the bodies. Despite continuous efforts, the bodies had not been recovered.
An SDRF personnel expressed hope that with decreasing water levels, they would be able to find the missing individuals. However, challenges persisted due to a significant discharge of water into the Jhelum from tributaries, hampering search operations.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread condolences, with many lamenting that timely completion of the bridge could have potentially averted the loss of lives.
Div Com, DC Srinagar visit bereaved families
Provide ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to NoKs of each deceased as an immediate relief
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, visited the Gandbal area of Srinagar following the tragic incident where a boat capsized in the River Jhelum on Tuesday morning.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the officials met with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate accident. They offered condolences and provided an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 5 lakh each to the Next of Kin (NoK) of the victims. Additionally, Rs. 50,000 was given to each of the four injured persons.
Accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Syed Ahmad Kataria, SDM East, Murtaza Ahmad, TehsildarPanthachowk, Muzamil Ahmad, and other concerned officials from the District Administration Srinagar, the senior officers reassured the affected families of all possible support and assistance during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, the ongoing rescue operation to trace the bodies of the three missing persons has been intensified. Authorities continue their efforts to bring closure to this tragic incident.
The bridge work started by Mebooba Mufti five years back.110metre bridge just on the outskirts of Srinagar, not yet completed .Work stalled when Assembly was dissolved. This shows how PMs development propaganda works in Kashmir. Precious young lives were lost.