SRINAGAR: From Mohammed Ashraf Mir, who was recently swept away by the strong currents of the Lidder River in Pahalgam, south Kashmir, to 18-year-old Obair Shabir, who drowned in Nallah Sorindar in Bandipora district of north Kashmir, drowning incidents across the Kashmir Valley have witnessed a significant rise.
Videos showing grieving family members at drowning sites, followed by footage of rescue operations, have heightened public concern over water safety. In many cases, a moment of carelessness has left families facing an irreparable loss.
In 2026 alone, 22 drowning incidents have been reported, with 11 people losing their lives during the past two months. Data from the past three years, from 2023 to May 2026, indicates a concerning trend. In 2023, 48 drowning cases were reported, prompting the SDRF and NDRF to launch 92 rescue operations. In 2024, 35 drowning incidents were reported, leading to 73 rescue operations. The year 2025 recorded the highest number of incidents, with more than 50 drowning cases and over 100 rescue operations.
The year 2026 has already drawn attention due to the increase in drowning incidents. The 11 deaths reported in the past two months alone have prompted authorities to repeatedly urge people to remain cautious and avoid venturing too close to rivers, streams and other water bodies. Officials have also advised the public to exercise extreme caution while on family outings and excursions.
The victims have included not only adults but also young children. Three-year-old Abu Bakr drowned after reportedly falling into a canal in the Tangmarg area of Baramulla district, while four-year-old Muhammad Hunzala slipped into Rambiara Nallah in Shopian while accompanying his family on a picnic.
These incidents leave families with lasting grief. In one recent case, following the drowning of Mohammed Ashraf Wani in the Lidder River at Pahalgam, a video circulated showing his wife calling out his name and refusing to leave the site while local residents attempted to console her. At the time of filing this report, the rescue operation had not yielded any results.
Jammu and Kashmir is also witnessing changing weather patterns, including fluctuating temperatures, delayed summers, untimely rainfall and periods of intense heat. These conditions often encourage people to travel to riverside and mountainous destinations in search of relief from the heat. Youngsters, in particular, are frequently seen swimming in the Jhelum River and other water bodies, sometimes without adequate swimming skills or awareness of changing water levels, increasing the risk of drowning.
One of the most tragic incidents this year occurred on May 8, in Chandergeer, Hajin, where three young men lost their lives in the Jhelum River. Sohail Ahmad Dar, 22, Aadil Ahmad Dar, 18, and Sameer Ahmad Dar were reportedly washing tents along the riverbank when one of them lost balance. The other two entered the river in an attempt to rescue him. The incident plunged the area into mourning, and scenes of grief were witnessed when the bodies were recovered.
The Jhelum River, which flows through Srinagar and several other districts, remains one of Kashmir’s most important waterways. Rescue personnel often describe it as one of the most dangerous locations for drowning incidents due to its strong currents and frequent public access. During periods of high temperatures, many youngsters enter the river to seek relief from the heat, often underestimating the risks involved.
Rescuers involved in recovery operations have also highlighted the lack of adequate safety infrastructure at several vulnerable locations. They argue that the absence of warning signs, barriers and other protective measures contributes to drowning incidents and can sometimes delay retrieval operations, adding to the distress faced by affected families.
While fencing every water body is not practical, experts believe that high-risk locations with strong currents should be secured with protective barriers and warning signs carrying messages such as “Danger Ahead”. They also stress the need for greater awareness about water safety in schools, colleges and universities. According to experts, such measures could help reduce drowning incidents and prevent further loss of life across the Valley.
