In the scorching heat, a stretch of the Upper Ganga Canal in Muradnagar, known as 'Chota Haridwar', has become a popular spot for swimming. However, danger lurks beneath the surface, with 10 people drowning within a month.
Recent Incidents
On Tuesday, a 36-year-old resident of Vijay Nagar, Harmeet, drowned while trying to save a child from the treacherous waters. This incident followed another on Sunday when two teenagers from Delhi's Karawal Nagar and Nandgram in Ghaziabad drowned. One body was found after 72 hours, 15 km downstream, while the other remains untraced.
Historical Context
This is not the first time such incidents have raised alarm. In 2017, Loni MLA Nand Kishore Gujjar wrote to the district administration and chief minister, alleging a gang responsible for drownings in Gang Nahar. He claimed 38 people had drowned there in two months. An investigation ruled out foul play.
Why the Spot is Dangerous
Shailendra Kumar, executive officer of Muradnagar Nagar Palika, explained, 'Chota Haridwar has acquired religious importance over time. During summer, this canal stretch becomes a recreation spot. People, especially the young, come from Delhi, Noida, Bulandshahr, and Ghaziabad to swim.' He added, 'There is a bridge over the canal, and some jump from it, unaware of the swift current. Many get washed away.'
The administration has placed a net along the bridge, put up warning signage across the ghat, and deployed police patrols. However, Kumar noted, 'It is not possible to keep a watch all along the banks.'
Official Measures
Alarmed by the deaths, Ghaziabad district magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar has instructed officials to take measures. 'The ghat has been closed, and barricades have been put on all lanes leading there after the DM's visit,' Kumar said.
The irrigation department, custodian of the canal, pointed out that it is used for irrigation, not recreation. An official stated, 'The average depth is about 12 feet, and the current is very strong. We regulate the current through a regulator near Chota Haridwar to maintain flow. The canal is made of concrete with a slope, making the surface slippery. There is an iron railing warning people not to cross.'
Historical Background
The 185-km canal from Haridwar to Dasna was built by the British in the 1850s for irrigation. Muradnagar resident Sohan Singh recalled, 'Over time, the area became inhabited, and the population moved closer to the canal, turning it into a popular haunt.' He added that about three years ago, people used to climb the rail bridge near Dasna-Masuri and jump into the canal as a train approached.
Rescue Efforts
An NDRF official reported that in 2025, 14 rescue attempts were made, but only one person was saved. Kunal Tiwari, deputy commandant of NDRF, 8th Battalion, said, 'Over the past few months, we have been constantly receiving distress calls. In 2026 alone, we made 11 rescue attempts, while in 2025, 14 attempts were made. Only one person was rescued last year.'
