Beauty hides danger at Ashtamudi: Repeated drownings spur calls for safety after death of two boys

Kollam: The boat jetty and the banks of the lake near the Ashtamudi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple in Kollam present a picture-perfect setting — but behind the scenic beauty lies a deadly danger. The area has claimed multiple lives over the years due to its treacherous underwater conditions.

The serene surroundings attract visitors throughout the day, drawn by the cool breeze and the view of Ashtamudi Lake. The spot is also popular for wedding photo shoots and serves as a boarding point for the Sea–Ashtamudi boat service.

However, the calm appearance of the lake is misleading. Beneath the gentle surface lie strong currents and unpredictable underwater formations that make the area extremely hazardous. The latest tragedy occurred on Sunday morning, when two friends— Abhijith (16) and Adithyan (20) of Eravipuram— drowned while in the water.

Local residents say the powerful undercurrents, shifting sandbars, and the proximity of a boat channel make swimming here highly unsafe. Aware of the risks, people living in the area generally stay away from the water.

However, the authorities have not arranged any safety measures at the spot, which is visited by hundreds of people daily. In fact, the place lacks even a signboard warning visitors against stepping into the lake. Similarly, there is no protective wall on the right side of the boat jetty.

Often, local people prevent visitors from venturing into the lake. During Sunday’s incident, some residents had also noticed a group of six youths who had arrived at the Ashtamudi Temple entering the water. But, before they could intervene, Abhijith and Adithyan were trapped in the current.

The two youths had stepped into a shallow part of the lake. But they inadvertently waded into the deep boat channel and were swept away swiftly. The other youths raised an alarm and one among them jumped into the water, attempting a rescue act. However, the effort was futile. Local people, who rushed to the spot hearing the cries of the youths, managed to save only one among them. Two others lost their lives.

The local residents who engaged in the rescue mission were led by Zaheer, a retired police officer, his brother Sajid and Ajeer. Kollam City Superintendent of Police S Shereef and station house officer in Anchalummoodu, Babu, later arrived on the scene.

"At least four persons have lost their lives in a similar manner at the spot in recent months. With accidents taking place regularly, the authorities should provide permanent safety arrangements," a resident said. 

Abhijith and Adithyan were close friends residing in the same locality, Chethana Nagar in Eravipuram. Their houses are barely 100 m apart. They were part of a group of six friends who started from Eravipuram at 8 am on Sunday to offer prayers at the Ashtamudi temple. A large number of mourners reached the homes of the deceased youths after hearing about the tragedy.