Youth goes missing at Gundichaghagi waterfall in Keonjhar, search operation underway

A youth went missing while taking a bath at the Gundichaghagi Waterfall in Odisha's Keonjhar on Sunday. The incident occurred early morning when the victim, identified as Satyaprakash Mahant of Badasialimal village under Harichandanpur block, slipped into the waterfall pool.

Satyaprakash, who works as an ambulance driver with a company in Paradip, had visited the scenic spot with some colleagues and friends. Around 6 am, after completing his morning routine near the waterfall, he proceeded towards the pool to bathe but accidentally drowned. Since then, there has been no trace of him. Upon receiving information, the fire brigade reached the spot and launched a search operation.

Earlier, a youth from Bartana village under Soro police limits in Balasore district also went missing in a similar fashion. 

Barricades Ignored Despite Safety Measures

As per reports, the administration has made all necessary arrangements in the region and placed barricades for visitors’ safety. However, some tourists continue to flout the rules by entering restricted areas to take pictures and record videos. 

The missing youth allegedly ventured directly below the waterfall despite barricades and multiple warning signboards. It is suspected that he lost his footing and fell into the pool beneath. The surrounding boulders are reportedly covered with fungi, which may have caused him to slip.

Search Continues 

Local police and Fire Services personnel are conducting a search operation from the downstream area towards the upstream, given the heavy water flow caused by incessant rains in recent days. 

Also Read: Youth goes missing while bathing in sea in Ganjam

Officials suspect that the youth could be found downstream if swept away by the current. However, if he got trapped between large stones at the base of the waterfall, his death may be confirmed, and his body might surface the following day.

Need For Greater Awareness Among Visitors

Locals have suggested that if more personnel are deployed to caution tourists and if visitors strictly follow safety guidelines, such tragic incidents can be prevented in the future.