Kupwara, June 9 -- Authorities in Tehsil Zachaldara, Kupwara, have issued a blanket ban on swimming and bathing in all water bodies including Sarbands, rivers, streams, and nallahs within its jurisdiction, in view of rising water levels and a growing threat to human life due to frequent drowning incidents.

According to an official order issued by the Tehsildar-cum-Executive Magistrate 1st Class Zachaldara, accessed by the news agency JKNS, the decision was taken after it came to notice that visitors, especially minors, have been seen indulging in swimming and bathing at tourist locations like Wadder Reshnari, Bawanwatar, and Krumhoora, posing serious safety risks.

The Executive Engineer of the I&FC Division Handwara had already flagged ...