A wooden boat carrying 10 pilgrims capsized in the Narmada River in Khandwa district, but all were rescued without any casualties thanks to timely intervention by rescue teams. The incident occurred during the pilgrims’ Parikrama of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The devotees, from Ranchi in Jharkhand, were on a religious visit to the holy town.
Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai reported that the boat overturned after striking a rock between Omkar Math and Nagar Ghat. Fortunately, all 10 pilgrims were wearing life jackets, which helped keep them afloat until they were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force personnel and local divers. The State Disaster Response Force and local divers quickly reached the spot and ensured the safe rescue of all individuals involved.
Omkareshwar, situated on the Narmada River’s banks, is a significant pilgrimage center that draws numerous devotees throughout the year, particularly during festivals and auspicious occasions. Boat rides for Parikrama are common among pilgrims, despite the river’s potential dangers such as hidden rocks, varying water levels, and strong currents influenced by the nearby Omkareshwar Dam releases.
This incident adds to the safety concerns at Omkareshwar’s ghats, where previous years have witnessed multiple drowning and boating accidents attributed to factors like underwater rocks, trenches, whirlpools, and fluctuating water levels. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the rescued pilgrims, who received necessary assistance following the incident. The police and district administration are investigating the exact cause of the accident, including factors like strong currents, boat overload, or navigational errors.
