No loss of life in Doda due to rising water level in Chenab: Officials

Srinagar, June 27: District administration Doda on Friday denied any casualty due to rising water levels in river Chenab amidst heavy rainfall.

“It is for the information of all that fake news has surfaced on WhatsApp and some media websites that some people have lost lives due to rise in water level in Chenab. This news is completely fake and thus it is advised not to circulate such fake news or become a part of misinformation campaign,” officials said.

The officials put on it on record that, “However, it is important to inform that three separate drowning incidents have taken place in the last 2 weeks with following details: (1) June 14, 2025: 02 children (brothers), identified as Abrar Ahmed (12 years) and Asrar Ahmed (9 years), sons of Farooq Ahmed from Nepli village, Pul Doda lost their lives due to drowning in the Chenab River near Pul Doda while playing; (2) ⁠June 19, 2025: 01 female individual namely Payal Kumari D/O Harbans Kumar R/O Jakyas, Tehsil Chilli Pingal got drowned in Chenab after she jumped from Thathri bridge and died due to suicide; and (3) June 23, 2025 : 01 fisherman named Basharat Hussain S/O Zahoor Din R/O Nagni, Tehsil Kahara got drowned while fishing in the Kalnai nallah of Kahara. The dead body was subsequently recovered by rescue teams of SDRF and volunteers.

Subsequently, District Administration Doda has issued an order vide 2213-21/DM/Doda dated 25.06.2025 to impose restrictions on swimming, bathing, fishing, and unnecessary recreation activities in vicinity of river Chenab and other nallahs in order to avoid such mishaps, officials said.

The officials enjoined upon all that the said order/advisory be followed in letter and spirit for the safety and security of the general public and avoid spreading such fake news.