A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) jawan rescued a drowning pilgrim from the Ganga River at Kangra Ghat in Haridwar [1, 2].
The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by devotees during the Kanwar Yatra, where strong river currents frequently pose a lethal threat to pilgrims bathing in the water.
Nitesh Khetwal, the SDRF jawan, intervened when a 23-year-old pilgrim [1] was swept away by the fast-flowing waters of the Ganga [1, 2]. The rescue took place at Kangra Ghat, a prominent site in Uttarakhand where devotees gather for spiritual rituals [1, 2].
Reports said Khetwal jumped into the river to battle the strong currents and pull the man to safety [2]. The rescue was captured on video, which has since circulated online, showing the split-second nature of the intervention [1].
Haridwar often sees a massive influx of pilgrims during the annual Yatra, increasing the pressure on local emergency services. The SDRF maintains a presence in these high-risk zones to provide immediate assistance during flooding or accidental drownings [2].
Local authorities have previously warned pilgrims about the volatility of the river's current, especially during the monsoon season when water levels rise and flow speeds increase. The swift action by Khetwal prevented a potential fatality in a region where water-related accidents are common during peak pilgrimage periods [1, 2].
“Nitesh Khetwal jumped into the river to battle the strong currents and pull the man to safety.”
The incident underscores the critical role of the State Disaster Response Force in managing public safety during large-scale religious gatherings. As thousands of pilgrims visit Haridwar, the reliance on rapid-response personnel becomes essential to mitigate the inherent risks of the Ganga's unpredictable currents.
