The construction of temporary police sub-stations by the Jal police in the twin cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh  is almost complete and the training procedures are underway, say the officials.

The incidents of drowning in the river Ganga increase during the special days when hordes of pilgrims come from all parts of the country.

In the past, many such incidents have happened and as a preventive measure, Haridwar police have decided to make sub- stations along the Ganga stretch where Jal police personnel shall be available 24 hours a day.

Just a day left for the Ardh Kumbh Mela to begin and a fortnight for the first bathing day of Makar Sankranti, all the construction works are taking a final shape. The Chowkis are ready to be taken over by the Jal police personnel who would remain from January to April month during the Mela.

Speaking to The Pioneer, DIG Kumbh Mela GS Martolia said,“ Three sub-stations have been made in Rishikesh and the other seven on the road stretch along the river Ganga between Har Ki Pauri and Jatwara bridge on temporary basis. In Rishikesh at the major ghats like Triveni ghat, laxman Jhula and Muni Ki Reti, the stations have been made. By January 3, the personnel shall be taking their positions and by 4th their orientation training programmes would start.”

The police personnel deputed in these chowkis would be alert while the people  bathe on the ghats so as to stop them from accidentally slipping down and getting caught in the currents of the river. 

Noteworthy, on December 3 after the painstaking efforts of the rescue team for three days, the body of the 19-year-old boy who had drowned in Bairagi camp was recovered.

In July, two schoolchildren from Nirmal Ashram Rishikesh had drowned and in May, Aabida Hasan, daughter of Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Shahid Manzoor, had also drowned in Ganga after she  had slipped and fallen in the river.