Overloaded Boat Stranded in Tarbela Dam Swamp; All 120 Passengers Rescued
HARIPUR – In a dramatic rescue operation, district authorities successfully evacuated 120 passengers, including women and children, after their overloaded boat became stuck in the swampy waters of Tarbela Dam lake near Bet Gali on Sunday.
Key Details of the Incident:
- Cause of Stranding: The boat, en route from Torghar to Haripur, got trapped in shallow waters due to declining water levels in the dam near Chandni Chowk.
- Overcapacity Violation: The vessel was carrying nearly double its capacity (approved limit: ~70 passengers), blatantly disregarding safety regulations.
- Delayed Rescue: Passengers remained stranded for four hours before authorities intervened, with initial rescue efforts relying on local boatmen before official teams arrived.
Rescue Operation:
- District Administration Mobilized: Upon notification, Deputy Commissioner Haripur dispatched Rescue 1122, police, and revenue teams led by the Assistant Commissioner to the site.
- Evacuation: Rescue boats were used to lighten the load, ferrying passengers to safety in a one-hour operation.
- Aftercare: Rescued individuals were provided food and water, while police arrested boat operator Ali Zaman for negligence. Legal proceedings have been initiated.
Past Tragedies & Ongoing Risks:
- 2019 Repeat: A similar accident at the same location four years ago claimed dozens of lives, with some victims’ bodies never recovered.
- Local Concerns: Residents blame the Haripur administration’s inefficiency and lack of enforcement of boating regulations, warning of potential future disasters.
Authorities’ Response:
- Official Statement: The district administration confirmed all passengers were safely rescued and emphasized stricter monitoring of boat operations.
- Accountability: Investigations are underway to penalize those responsible for overloading and safety breaches.
Why It Matters:
- Safety Failures: Repeated incidents highlight poor oversight of water transport in the region.
- Environmental Factor: Declining dam water levels exacerbate navigation hazards, requiring updated safety protocols.
- Public Demand: Locals urge permanent solutions, including patrols, capacity checks, and emergency response drills.
Next Steps:
- The administration has pledged to crack down on illegal boat operations.
- Calls grow for modern rescue infrastructure near Tarbela to prevent future crises.
Background:
- Tarbela Dam, one of the world’s largest earth-filled dams, sees frequent boat traffic but lacks standardized safety measures.
- Overloading and negligent operations remain persistent issues in Pakistan’s water transport sector.
