Rourkela: A pleasure trip turned into a tragedy on Wednesday when two youths from Sambalpur were swept away by the strong currents of the Ib river at the scenic yet treacherous Kanakunda canyon in Balishankara block of Sundargarh district.
The missing youths have been identified as Jaynarayan Patra and Roshan Paswan, both residents of Gobindpur in neighbouring Sambalpur. A third friend, Akash Sahu, managed to swim to safety.
How the Incident Happened
According to sources, the incident occurred around 1 pm when the three youths were bathing near the stone-bed portion of the river — a spot known for its deceptive water depth and fast currents. While all three were reportedly swept by the strong flow, only Sahu could make it to the shore.
Local villager Lalit Sunuani said the youths arrived on a motorcycle for a casual outing. “They were bathing in a danger zone, which locals usually avoid, especially after rains. A warning sign that was once placed there had been washed away,” he added.
Search Operation Launched
Upon receiving the alert, Talsara police and Odisha Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and began a search operation, which continued till 6:30 pm but yielded no results. Police confirmed the incident and said further updates would follow.
Recurring Dangers at Kanakunda Canyon
Balishankara sarpanch Dinabandhu Sha raised concerns about the increasing number of tourists visiting Kanakunda canyon, thanks to its raw natural beauty and viral posts on social media. He revealed that at least 12 lives have been lost in similar accidents over the last five years.
“This area is breathtaking but deadly. Most visitors are unaware of the treacherous rock bed and water flow, especially after rains,” Sha said.
Recent Similar Tragedy in Sundargarh
This tragic event comes just days after the body of Gourav Bipra, a 22-year-old student who was swept away at Badalgiri waterfall, was found after 22 days of intense search. Gourav had gone missing on July 6 during a picnic with friends in Gurundia block.
Caution for Tourists and Locals
Local authorities are urging tourists to avoid bathing or venturing into river zones during the monsoon. The need for visible safety warnings, barricading danger zones, and guided tourism is being strongly felt in the region.
Stay with Mtimes.co.in for timely updates on this developing story and other local news.
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