Arunachal Pradesh: Tourists rescued after getting trapped on frozen Sela Lake

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itanagar: A group of four tourists from Assam narrowly avoided disaster on Sunday when they fell into the frozen Sela Lake at Tawng district of Arunachal Pradesh, while attempting to walk on its icy surface.

The incident took place at the scenic lake, located at an altitude of 14,000 feet, when the tourists, including one woman, ventured onto the frozen surface despite clear risks. Fortunately, their companions acted quickly, pulling them out of the icy water and preventing a tragedy, a senior official from the district said.

“The incident occurred around 10 AM when the tourists ventured onto the frozen surface of the lake. There was no casualty reported and all of them are fit and fine, Jang additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Hakraso Kri informed. Local authorities had previously issued warnings against such activities.

In December last year, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang had advised visitors to avoid walking on high-altitude frozen lakes, including Sela Lake, Shongetser Lake, PT Tso Lake, and the lakes around Bumla Pass. For the local community, these lakes hold deep cultural and spiritual significance.

According to tradition, tampering with or polluting these sacred water bodies is believed to invite misfortune.

Meanwhile, union minister Kiren Rijiju who hailed from the state has cautioned tourists to remain careful while walking in such frozen lakes.

“Enjoy mountains but be careful of snow avalanches, icy roads and ice lakes,” Rijiju, the Parliamentary and Minority Affairs minister said in a post on X.

“At Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. My advice to tourists: Walk on the Frozen Lakes with experienced people, drive carefully on slippery snow roads and be aware of snow avalanches. Temperatures are freezing so wear warm clothes and enjoy yourself. Your safety is important,” he added.

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