The serene waters of the Yamuna in Vrindavan turned deadly on Friday when a boat packed with pilgrims flipped at KC Ghat, Mathura. Confirmed deaths stand at 11, including an entire family of seven from Ludhiana, Punjab, amplifying the national outpouring of sorrow.
Leading the chorus of condolences, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring took to social media platform X to voice his anguish. ‘The Vrindavan boat tragedy breaks my heart, claiming lives from Punjab among others. The grief is beyond words. Heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families,’ he posted.
Not stopping at sympathy, Warring made a direct call to action: demanding that the Punjab government swiftly announce compensation packages and relief measures for the victims’ kin. He concluded with prayers for resilience amid sorrow and eternal peace for the souls lost.
On the ground, a massive rescue mission unfolds. Over 200 expert divers, supported by Army personnel since dusk Friday, NDRF, and SDRF teams, are combing 15 kilometers of turbulent river waters. The swift current poses a major challenge, explaining why missing persons might have drifted far.
Rescuers have pulled out over 20 survivors, with several hospitalized for injuries. Yet, the number of unaccounted individuals keeps the operation urgent and intense. Local divers are lending crucial support to accelerate the search.
This catastrophe underscores critical lapses in boating safety near holy sites, where crowds swell during festivals. Authorities face tough questions as families cling to hope for their loved ones.
