- Lack of safety measures
Bhopal: A huge crowd of tourists thronged Halali Dam on Sunday, drawn by the monsoon scenery and the weekend holiday. Visitors from Bhopal, Vidisha, Bairasia, and Raisen gathered to enjoy the picturesque surroundings—but many were seen risking their lives by taking selfies from high and slippery rocks near the dam’s overflow and water streams.
Despite past tragedies, there are still no proper safety arrangements at the popular picnic spot. Tourists were observed standing precariously close to the edge of rocks and fast-flowing water. Local residents and experts have expressed concern, citing multiple incidents in which people have drowned while attempting dangerous selfies.
One such incident occurred two years ago when Himani Mishra (32), a resident of Kolar, Bhopal, drowned after slipping into the strong current of the dam’s Chharchhari while taking a selfie. Her body was recovered after seven hours of intensive search. Her husband, Dr. Utkarsh Mishra, had accompanied her that day.
Several other fatal incidents have been reported, including the deaths of 24-year-old Rahul Bhaskar of Ashoka Garden and three other youths who drowned in the Mini Pachmarhi pool due to similar negligence.
Warning signs, barricades not installed
Thousands visit Halali Dam every weekend, but the absence of warning signs, barricades, and on-site security continues to pose a major risk. Locals have repeatedly urged the administration to implement safety measures and clarify jurisdictional responsibilities between Raisen and Vidisha police. Disputes between Salamatpur and Khamkheda police outposts often delay swift action during emergencies.
However, Dinesh Singh Raghuvanshi, incharge, Salamatpur Police Station said that on Sunday, as soon as we received information about crowding, a police team was sent to the spot for monitoring.
