Rising incidents of drowning and risky water adventures threaten the future of Kashmir’s youth. Urgent action and awareness are needed to protect our children.
Kashmir is a land full of natural beauty. The snow-covered mountains, green valleys, shining rivers, and flowing waterfalls make this place feel like heaven on Earth. People from around the world visit to see this beauty. But today, something dangerous is happening here. It is something we often ignore, but it is growing fast. It is not coming from outside. It is happening in our own homes, in our streets, and sadly among our children.
In recent days, many young boys and even small children are going near rivers, streams, lakes, and waterfalls. They are jumping into the water, swimming, recording videos, and making reels for social media. Some of them are very young. Some cannot swim. Many do not know how deep or strong the water is. But they still take these risks, only to get fun or fame on social media. What begins as a happy moment sometimes ends in great pain.
It is heartbreaking to see a young boy dancing near a waterfall in one video, and then hear the next day that the same boy is gone. He drowned in that same water. His lifeless body is found later, stuck between rocks or floating in the river. People gather around. Some cry, some record more videos, and some post sad messages online. But nothing can bring that child back. The mother, who was waiting for him to return home, was left in tears. The father, who was at work, thinking his child was safe, is left in shock. The family is broken forever.
This problem is not only about the children. What makes it worse is that even some adults are doing the same thing. Grown men, who should be guiding the young, are seen playing in the water, making videos, and acting in unsafe ways. When children see adults doing this, they believe it is normal. They think it is fun and safe. But this is a mistake. Children learn more from what they see than from what they are told. If they see careless behaviour, they will follow it.
We must all understand this simple truth. Water is not a toy. It is a gift from Allah, but it can also become a danger. Water looks calm, but inside it can be deadly. One wrong step, one deep breath underwater, one strong current is enough to take a life. Even strong swimmers can drown when the water turns wild. Allah is powerful over everything. If He orders the water to rise, no one can stop it.
When a child dies in such an accident, we must ask an honest question. Who is responsible? Is it the child? No. It is the parents. It is the family. It is the people around them. A child does not know how dangerous water can be. They only see fun. They trust too easily. It is the parents’ duty to stop them, to guide them, to say no when needed. Sometimes love means saving a life by being strict. It is not harshness. It is care.
Every year, during school holidays, many children lose their lives in water. They are free during vacations and they want to enjoy. But they do not always understand the danger. Some go with friends, some go without telling anyone. And many do not return. Some parents find out only when it is too late. The pain of losing a child never heals. It stays with the family forever.
So now is the time to take action. Parents must know where their children are going. They should talk to them. They must explain the risks and dangers. It is not enough to give freedom. It is important to give guidance. Teachers can also play a big role. They should talk about water safety in schools. Even one small message can protect many lives. The government should place clear warning signs near rivers and waterfalls. There should be guards or volunteers near such places, especially during vacation months. Social media users must also act with care. Please don’t share videos of dangerous stunts. Don’t encourage unsafe behaviour. One like or comment can push another child to take the same risk.
To our young people, I say this. Your life is valuable. Do not risk it for a few seconds of fun. Think of your mother waiting for you at home. Think of your father working hard for your future. Think of your brothers and sisters who love you. A short video is not worth losing all of them. Your smile matters more than any reel or post.
To everyone in society, I say this. Please do not wait for the next tragedy. Speak up. Raise awareness. Share true stories. Talk in schools and mosques. Tell people what can happen. A few words can save many lives. Let us all become a voice of safety and care.
Kashmir is a beautiful place. Let us keep it full of life and joy. Let us not allow its waters to take away our future. Let us protect our children with love, wisdom, and action. Before another life is lost, let us wake up. Let us stand together to stop this silent danger.
Because no family should have to bury their child in the name of fun.
The writer is a teacher
Danish Ashraf khan
kh*****************@***il.com