Doda Admin Dismisses Viral Claims on Chenab Flood Deaths

SRINAGAR: The Doda Administration on Friday firmly denied viral social media claims suggesting that several lives had been lost due to rising water levels in the Chenab River. Officials clarified that no such incident has occurred and that the circulating news is entirely baseless.

In an official statement, the administration said that a fake news item had surfaced on WhatsApp and some media websites alleging that people had died due to flooding in the Chenab. “This news is completely fake, and the public is strongly advised not to circulate such misinformation or become part of any campaign of falsehood,” the statement read.

While refuting these claims, the administration did confirm that three unrelated drowning incidents had taken place over the past two weeks. On June 14, two brothers — Abrar Ahmed (12) and Asrar Ahmed (9), sons of Farooq Ahmed from Nepli village — drowned in the Chenab near Pul Doda while playing. On June 19, a young woman named Payal Kumari, daughter of Harbans Kumar from Jakyas, Tehsil Chilli Pingal, died by suicide after jumping from the Thathri bridge into the Chenab. The third incident occurred on June 23, when a fisherman named Basharat Hussain, son of Zahoor Din from Nagni, Tehsil Kahara, drowned while fishing in the Kalnai Nallah of Kahara. His body was later recovered by rescue teams from SDRF and volunteers.

In response to these incidents, the District Administration has issued an official order (No. 2213-21/DM/Doda dated 25.06.2025), placing restrictions on swimming, bathing, fishing, and unnecessary recreational activities near the Chenab River and other local water bodies. The move aims to prevent further tragedies and ensure public safety.

Authorities have urged people to strictly follow the issued advisory and to refrain from spreading fake news, which only contributes to unnecessary panic. The administration reiterated that safety is a shared responsibility and that accurate information should always be verified through official channels.