July 15, 2025
THIMPHU – As temperatures soar this summer, rivers in Punakha have become a popular retreat for residents seeking relief from the heat. However, what begins as a refreshing escape is increasingly ending in tragedy.
A disturbing pattern is emerging—people, both young and old, are being swept away by the swift and deceptively calm waters of the Mochhu and Phochhu rivers.
Despite repeated advisories from the dzongkhag administration to schools and relevant institutions, the warnings appear to have limited effect. Drowning incidents continue to be reported, with both children and adults frequenting the rivers for swimming and recreation.
Settlements along the Mochhu, Phochhu, and Punatshangchhu allow easy access to the water, making the rivers a common site for leisure, particularly during the summer. Children are often seen playing along the riverbanks, a practice that has led to multiple accidents due to slippery banks or strong undercurrents.
On January 30, a nine-year-old boy from Samdingkha went missing. Days later, his body was recovered from the Punatshangchhu. Police believe he drowned while playing near the river, as his footwear was found on the bank shortly after his disappearance.
This incident is not isolated. On April 25, an 81-year-old woman died, and her 87-year-old husband was rescued after both were swept into the Mochhu River. The couple had reportedly entered the river together and were pulled downstream. Their footprints were later found along the bank.
In response to recurring incidents, a swimming pool has recently opened in Changyuel. Residents are hopeful that such facilities will offer a safer alternative for children and reduce the risk of drowning.
“The pool provides a more controlled environment, especially during summer,” said one parent. However, concerns remain over affordability, as entrance fees may prevent regular use by families with limited income.
Despite such developments, many parents continue to struggle to keep their children away from the rivers. “No matter how much we warn them, they still go near the river,” said one resident.
Additionally, elderly people, believing that soaking their legs in river water eases pain, are often seen sitting on rocks in the river while children swim nearby—further compounding the risk.
So far this year, Punakha has recorded two drowning cases. In 2024, three incidents were reported, while two cases were recorded in both 2022 and 2023. Between 2017 and April 2021, eight cases were reported. Two individuals who drowned in 2020 remain missing.
On October 8, 2024, a 26-year-old man was swept away by the Mochhu River in Changyuel; his body was recovered after an intensive search. Earlier, on August 30, a 21-year-old man from Dagana drowned at Lakhu in Guma Gewog. His body was also later recovered.
A review of recent cases shows that most drowning victims have been men. Authorities attribute this trend to higher levels of risk-taking, such as swimming in unsafe areas or underestimating the strength of the current.
In the meantime, police have been actively patrolling riverbanks, warning and dispersing children and others who approach the rivers. School authorities have also repeatedly advised students to stay away from the water.
