Three tourists from Punjab were rescued by local residents after being swept away by the Parvati River in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday [1].
The incident highlights the recurring dangers faced by visitors in high-risk river zones during the pilgrimage season in the Kullu district [2].
The group, who were part of a family visiting the Manikaran Sahib Gurdwara, stepped close to the riverbank to take photographs and selfies [1], [2]. The swift current of the Parvati River [2] caught the individuals, pulling them into the fast-flowing water.
Local residents witnessed the accident and intervened to pull the three [1] tourists from the water. The rescue occurred near Manikaran, a well-known pilgrimage destination in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh [1], [2].
Authorities and locals have previously cautioned visitors against approaching the edges of the river during periods of high flow. The Parvati River is known for its volatile currents, which can easily overwhelm pedestrians who venture too close to the water's edge for social media photographs [2].
No injuries were detailed in the initial reports, but the rapid response of the community prevented a potential tragedy. The family had traveled to the region specifically for darshan at the Gurdwara before the accident occurred [1].
“Three tourists from Punjab were rescued by local residents after being swept away by the Parvati River.”
This incident underscores a growing trend of 'selfie tourism' risks in India's mountainous regions, where visitors often ignore safety warnings for social media content. The reliance on local residents for rescue indicates a critical gap in formal safety infrastructure at high-traffic pilgrimage sites during peak travel periods.
