Prohibitory Order Issued for River Picnic Areas

Tezpur, July 6: Following a recent drowning incident at the Bordikorai river near the Seijosa Eco-Tourism Zone, Ankur Bharali, the District Magistrate of Sonitpur, has enacted a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS. This measure aims to avert similar accidents across the district.

According to a report from the Divisional Forest Officer of the Western Assam Wildlife Division, there has been a notable rise in public gatherings at riverside picnic locations like Jia-Bharali and Bordikorai, especially during weekends and festive periods. These sites, along with others such as Rudrapad, Debising Ghat, and Ganesh Ghat, are particularly susceptible to flooding during the monsoon season, which heightens the risk of drowning.

To safeguard the public, access to specific picnic areas near the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, including Jia-Bharali and Bordikorai, as well as locations like Bhalukpong, 13th Mile, 12th Mile, and Seijosa, has been strictly restricted until further notice.

Additionally, law enforcement and forest department personnel have been instructed to rigorously uphold this order. Warning signs and awareness campaigns will be established in collaboration with the forest department. The order is effective immediately, and any violations will be subject to penalties under Section 223 of the BNS. The district administration has urged all residents to avoid visiting riverine picnic spots during this time, as stated in an official press release.