Shimla, July 5: To avoid mishaps along the Beas, the police will launch an anti-selfie drive to make tourists aware of the dangers of venturing close to the river. Mandi DSP Hitesh Lakhanpal said, “In view of public safety we have decided to launch a special drive to generate awareness among tourists.
A number of drowning incidents have been reported from Mandi, Kullu and Manali in the past. We will also install warning signs on Mandi-Kullu National Highway to get the message across.”The state government had directed the district administration to install warning signboards along the river after 24 engineering students of from Hyderabad were washed away in the Beas in June 2014.
He said mishaps took place because people were not aware about the topography of the area and water flow in the river.Most tourists are not aware of the hydel projects on the Beas. Water is regularly released from these projects especially during summer, which suddenly raises the water level.
The banks of the river will be landscaped so that the tourists could enjoy the scenic beauty of the place from a safe distance. The police have also submitted a plan to Municipal Council, Mandi, for construction of pathway along the Beas. The DSP said the project was being prepared by Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi.
Source Tribune India
