Haridwar News: An SDRF constable displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind by rescuing a drowning Kanwariya from the fast-flowing River Ganga during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar. The timely intervention prevented what could have been a major tragedy amid the massive influx of devotees visiting the holy city.
With millions of Kanwariyas gathering at Haridwar’s ghats during the annual pilgrimage, maintaining safety remains a major challenge for security agencies. Officials say that even a moment of carelessness near the river can lead to serious accidents, making constant vigilance essential.
SDRF Team Spots Devotee In Distress
According to a report in Money Control, the incident took place at Kangra Ghat, where an SDRF team had been deployed to ensure the safety of
Kanwar pilgrims.
While monitoring the area, the team noticed a young man struggling in the strong current of the River Ganga. Realising the seriousness of the situation, SDRF Constable Nitesh Khetwal immediately jumped into the river without hesitation.
Relying on his training and rescue skills, the constable reached the drowning devotee, brought him safely to shore and prevented the incident from turning fatal.
नोएडा (उ.प्र) निवासी शिवभक्त हरिद्वार स्थित कांगड़ा घाट पर नहाने के दौरान गंगा के तेज बहाव में बहने लगा। इसी दौरान वहां मौजूद #UttarakhandPolice SDRF जवान ने तत्काल गंगा में कूदकर कड़ी मशक्कत के बाद युवक को सकुशल बचा लिया।#KanwarYatra2026#kanwaryatra pic.twitter.com/MDDb9lRd2Z
— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) July 30, 2026
Meerut Devotee Rescued Safely
The rescued pilgrim was identified as Manish, 23, a resident of Surajkunj village in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh.
After bringing him out of the river, the SDRF team administered first aid at the scene. Officials later confirmed that his condition was stable and he was out of danger.
Vigilance Prevented A Major Tragedy
Every year, the Kanwar Yatra draws millions of Shiva devotees to Haridwar, with large crowds gathering at the Ganga ghats for ritual bathing. The fast-flowing river, however, poses significant risks, particularly in areas with deep water and strong currents.
Officials said the alertness and swift response of the SDRF team ensured that a family was spared a devastating loss.
The incident has once again highlighted the critical role played by rescue personnel in managing safety during one of India’s largest religious gatherings.
SDRF Issues Safety Advisory To Pilgrims
Following the rescue, the SDRF appealed to all Kanwar pilgrims and devotees to remain cautious while bathing in the Ganga.
The agency advised devotees to:
- Bathe only at designated and authorised ghats.
- Avoid entering areas with strong currents or deep water.
- Follow instructions issued by the SDRF, police and other security personnel.
- Immediately alert nearby security staff in the event of any emergency to ensure prompt assistance.
The SDRF stressed that ‘caution is the best protection’, adding that vigilance and discipline are essential to ensuring the safety of devotees during large religious gatherings such as the Kanwar Yatra.
