Daijiworld Media Network – Dwarka
Dwarka, Jun 6: Tragedy struck the holy town of Dwarka on Thursday as a group of seven pilgrims from Gujarat’s Jamnagar district was swept away by strong currents while taking a sacred dip in the Gomti River. While six were rescued in time, one woman lost her life in the incident.
The group, comprising four men and three women, was on a religious visit when they entered the river near Dwarka for a ritual bath. Eyewitnesses quickly raised an alarm as the pilgrims began struggling against the forceful currents. Locals, along with the fire brigade, rushed to the spot and managed to rescue six individuals, who were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, despite all efforts, one woman could not be saved.
This marks the third such incident reported in the Gomti River over the past month, highlighting the growing danger posed by powerful sea currents entering the river stream. Just three days ago, an elderly man was pulled out in the nick of time by security personnel. A more severe mishap was reported on May 21, when three pilgrims from Patan district drowned; only one among them could be rescued.
Authorities have attributed the hazardous conditions to intensified sea currents and have reiterated that warnings issued by the Indian Meteorological Department often go unheeded by pilgrims, many of whom cross marked safety barriers in pursuit of ritual purity.
In light of the repeated tragedies and the surge in pilgrim footfall, the Gujarat government has intensified safety protocols in the area. Life jackets have now been made mandatory for all passengers on ferry services, including the busy Okha-Beyt Dwarka route and boat rides on the Gomti River. Ferry and boat operators have been strictly instructed to avoid overcrowding and ensure that each traveller is equipped with a life jacket. Non-compliance will invite stringent action, officials warned.
The Dwarka police have launched routine inspections to monitor adherence to the new guidelines. Additionally, responding to concerns flagged by the Gujarat High Court, the state has also begun steps to tackle environmental degradation on Beyt Dwarka island, particularly the rampant plastic pollution that threatens the fragile marine ecosystem.
The government’s multi-faceted approach seeks to ensure a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable experience for the lakhs of devotees who throng Dwarka, one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in India.