What was meant to be a joyous occasion celebrating Eid turned into a day of mourning when an additional district and sessions judge, his two sons, and his nephew tragically drowned while bathing in a private dam on Thursday.

According to rescue officials, they were identified as Additional District and Sessions Judge Raja Mobeen Kayani, his two sons Abdullah (36) and Saad (12), and his nephew Aamir (12).

The incident occurred at the private dam located in the Tehsil of Sohawa, turning the festive atmosphere into one of grief and shock for the family.

A large contingent of police personnel, including the district police officer, as well as the rescue team from Rescue 1122, rushed to the scene. With their combined efforts, the bodies of all four victims were recovered from the dam and transferred to the Sohawa Civil Hospital.

The untimely demise of Kayani and his family members has left the entire community in sorrow.

The exact circumstances leading to the drowning incident are yet to be determined. Initial reports suggest that a tragic accident occurred while the victims were bathing, causing them to lose their lives.

Drowning incidents at small dams in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, are a recurring and tragic occurrence. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of these incidents, including:

Lack of safety measures: Many small dams in Pakistan, particularly those in rural areas, often lack proper safety measures such as fencing, warning signs, lifebuoys, and trained lifeguards. This absence of safety infrastructure increases the risk of accidents and drowning incidents.

Inadequate awareness and education: Limited awareness and knowledge about water safety practices among the general public, especially in rural communities, is another contributing factor. People may not be aware of the dangers associated with swimming in unfamiliar or hazardous water bodies, leading to preventable accidents.

Unsupervised recreational zctivities: Small dams are frequently used for recreational purposes, attracting people, particularly during holidays and hot weather. However, the lack of proper supervision and regulation in these areas increases the likelihood of accidents. Untrained individuals, including children and non-swimmers, often venture into the water without adequate precautions, making them vulnerable to drowning incidents.

Underestimation of water currents and depth: Many people underestimate the power of water currents and the depth of the dams. They may overestimate their swimming abilities or fail to recognise the dangers associated with rapidly changing water conditions, such as strong currents and sudden drop-offs. These factors can lead to individuals being swept away or getting trapped underwater.

Encroachment and illegal construction: Encroachment and illegal construction around small dams can restrict natural water flow and alter the dam’s structure. These unauthorizsed activities may weaken the dam’s integrity, leading to sudden breaches or unexpected water releases, posing a significant risk to those in the vicinity.

Lack of emergency services: In remote areas, the absence of well-equipped emergency services and prompt rescue teams can hinder the timely response to drowning incidents. Delayed rescue efforts can further exacerbate the consequences of such accidents.