A major tragedy was averted in Haridwar during the Chhath Puja on Tuesday morning, when a young man began drowning in the Ganga River at Roorkee Ghat. Thanks to the quick action of the PAC diving team, the youth was rescued just in time — an act of bravery that earned widespread appreciation from devotees and locals.
Chhath Puja, one of North India’s most significant and spiritually revered festivals, draws lakhs of devotees who offer prayers to the rising and setting sun. To manage the large gatherings, Haridwar Police had deployed special security arrangements, including PAC and SDRF rescue teams, across all major ghats.
The Incident at Roorkee Ghat
At around 6:30 a.m., a 25-year-old man identified as Dhanu Singh from Gopalganj, Bihar, attempted to swim across the river during the morning Chhath Aarti. Due to strong currents and deep water, he began to drown. The crowd shouted for help as panic spread across the ghat.
The PAC’s 40th Battalion E Team immediately swung into action. Without hesitation, team members jumped into the river and rescued the youth within minutes.
The Brave Rescuers
The rescue team included:
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S.I. Ikhlaq Malik
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H.C. Manoj Kumar
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H.C. Nirdosh Kumar
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Constable Ankur
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Constable Ashutosh Sharma
All five officers demonstrated exceptional discipline, speed, and professionalism during the operation.
A Haridwar Police spokesperson said, “Considering the festive rush, PAC and SDRF teams were deployed at all major ghats. The Roorkee Ghat team acted swiftly and saved the youth’s life. Such preparedness helps prevent major mishaps.”
Public Appreciation
Witnesses and devotees at the scene praised the team’s courage, saying that just a few minutes’ delay could have led to tragedy. After the rescue, applause filled the ghat as people hailed the PAC divers for their heroic act.
Rising Rescue Operations in Haridwar
Officials noted that the number of water-related rescue operations at Ganga ghats has been rising in recent years, especially during the monsoon and major festivals. The PAC and SDRF teams remain active in Haridwar, Kankhal, and Roorkee, conducting frequent patrols and emergency drills.
Experts emphasize that during mass religious gatherings, the presence of trained divers, rescue boats, and first-aid units is crucial for public safety.
This incident stands as a reminder that vigilance and discipline can save lives during crowded festivals. The Haridwar Police and PAC team’s heroic act during Chhath Puja is a shining example of courage and duty under pressure.
