Pathanamthitta: The friends of Ajsal and Nabeel are still struggling to come to terms with how a moment of joy suddenly turned into a wave of grief. The Kallarakkadavu ghat, on the banks of the Achankovil river, too, seems to echo the sorrow after two students of Marthoma School, Pathanamthitta, lost their lives here in its unforgiving current. The hidden dangers of this river stretch go far beyond what meets the eye.

The place is frequented by many, including schoolchildren. Yet, there are no warning boards or precautionary measures in place to alert visitors. The tragedy has reignited demands for urgent safety measures. Fire and Rescue officials have also warned that, with the Onam vacation approaching, more people are likely to visit rivers and streams, raising the risk of accidents. They caution against entering the waters in excitement, especially for those who cannot swim.

Miscalculations turn fatal
At first glance, the water level above the Kallarakkadavu check dam appears low and harmless. But it conceals grave danger. The surface near the check dam is extremely slippery, and even a minor slip can push a person straight into the strong undercurrents.

Once caught, escape is nearly impossible. Beneath the water lie hidden traps such as tree branches, bamboo and debris, which make the situation deadlier. Many are deceived by the shallow appearance of the water, unaware of the lurking peril.

Warning boards to be installed
Pathanamthitta Municipal Chairperson T Zakeer Hussain stated that instructions have been issued to place warning boards along Kallarakkadavu in the Achankovil River. He expressed condolences over the tragic loss of the two students and stressed the need for urgent precautions to prevent such incidents in the future.