On the first of the key snans of Ardh Kumbh on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, mishaps were averted as two persons about to be swept away towards danger zones of the Ganga after they slipped into the river at ghats in Haridwar were rescued by the water police on Thursday. A company of water police has been deployed with sufficient equipments at 10 different ghats across Ardh Kumbh Mela area to rescue the drowning persons.
A police officer said that 17 –year- old Aastha, native of Delhi, who was bathing along with her family members had suddenly slipped into the river at Malviya Dwip Ghat. While she was about to sweep away by the strong eddies to the danger zones the family members cried for help and informed the water police. A water police team comprising divers, head constable Atul Singh and constables Sunny and Gaurav Sharma dived and rescued her. She was handed over to the family after she was given the primary medical aids.
In another incident, Akash, native of lucknow, who went for taking dip in the river at Nildhara Machhla Kund came under the current around 11 am. Other pilgrims raised alarm after he was seen getting swept away in the river. A team of divers from 40th PAC battalion that included Chandra Mohan Rana, Ved Kishore and Sunil rescued him and handed him over to the family after he was given primary medical aids.
IG (Ardh Kumbh) GS Martolia said that a company of water police has been deputed at 10 ghats to conduct rescue in case of any pilgrim drown in the river while taking baths. Water police are equipped with life jacket, rubber motor boat, mask respirator and others. They have been given high level training for conducting the rescue and relief operation before deployment, he said. He also announced reward to the team for rescuing the duo.