Ranchi: Anticipating heavy footfall on Independence Day, the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) has asked paryatak mitras to step up vigil at scenic waterfalls in and around the capital.
These tourism volunteers have also been directed to work in tandem with local police stations to ensure no sale or consumption of liquor.
The fresh orders come in the wake of a tragic incident at Jonha Falls in Angara block, 40km from city, on Saturday. Three students - Anshuman Gupta (17), Rahul Kumar (18) and Raj Yaduvanshi (18) - drowned at the waterfall while a fourth, Ritwik Kumar (17), barely managed to survive during an unplanned swim on a day out.
"Most accidents happen because of daredevilry; because people do not listen to guides. Also, in many cases, victims of mishaps are found to be inebriated. Hence, paryatak mitras and divers have been put on extra alert," said JTDC general manager Rajiv Ranjan.
There are some half a dozen waterfalls in and around Ranchi - namely, Dassam, Hundru, Jonha, Sita, Hirni and Panchghagh. Each one is guarded by 24 volunteers.
"We had distributed rafts, life jackets and ropes in the run-up to New Year. These will be put to use on Independence Wednesday because we expect a big rush. The water level is high in most places owing to a good spell of rainfall. It is always better to be safe than sorry," Ranjan added.
The volunteers have already swung into action at Jonha and Hundru.
Raj Kishore, a paryatak mitra at Hundru Falls, said they were scanning all visitors from Tuesday to ensure no one brought liquor. "The fine is Rs 500 for anyone caught drinking or carrying booze. Also, we have tested the life buoys and rafts, which are working fine. Five divers will be on duty at the lower stream of Jonha tomorrow (Wednesday)," he said.
Kishore added that six and three divers, respectively, would man the lower stream of Hundru and Sita. "Similarly, four divers will near the upper stream of Jonha; four at Hundru and two at Sita. Other paryatak mitras will man parking and remaining areas."
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