Kerala Tourists Drown At Frozen Sela Lake In Arunachal Pradesh; One Body Recovered, One Still Missing

A tourist visit to the scenic Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district ended in tragedy on Friday when two tourists from Kerala drowned after falling into the frozen lake, police officials said.The victims were identified as Dinu, 26, and Mahadev, 24. They were part of a seven-member tourist group that had reached Tawang via Guwahati. One body has been recovered, while search operations are ongoing to trace the second tourist.According to police, the incident occurred in the afternoon when one member of the group accidentally slipped into the frozen lake and began to drown.“The incident happened in the afternoon when one member of the group slipped into the frozen lake and began to drown. Dinu and Mahadev entered the lake in an attempt to rescue him. While the third tourist managed to come out safely, the two were swept under the icy water,” Superintendent of Police DW Thongon said.The district administration received information about the accident around 3 pm, following which a joint rescue operation was launched.Rescue Operation Under Harsh ConditionsRescue teams comprising district police, central forces and the State Disaster Response Force were pressed into service immediately.“Despite difficult weather and low visibility, the body of one tourist was recovered. The search for the missing person had to be halted due to darkness and harsh conditions,” Thongon said, adding that the operation will resume on Saturday morning.The recovered body has been kept at the Jang Community Health Centre, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted on Saturday.Thongon said warning signboards have been installed at Sela Lake and other tourist locations in the district, clearly advising visitors not to walk on frozen lakes.The district administration had also issued an advisory in December, cautioning tourists that frozen water bodies are unsafe, as the ice can be unstable and may not support human weight.About Sela LakeSituated at an altitude of over 13,000 feet above sea level, Sela Lake is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated along the route connecting Tawang to other parts of this north-eastern state. The lake is usually frozen all winter because of its very cold temperatures (below zero). Sela Lake has not only scenic beauty, but it is also culturally important to the Monpa people.District officials have warned that the winter months present a very life-threatening danger to anyone who visits the lake. Thin ice covers Sela Lake, while it appears solid; therefore, the ice is extremely deceptive.The extreme cold, erratic changes in weather and the fact that there is very limited oxygen at such high altitude create further hazards for potential tourists. District officers again urge all tourists to always adhere strictly to safety guidelines when going into a high-altitude region in wintertime. They also warn tourists that going onto frozen lakes when they are not adhering to their safety guidelines could be fatal, because of the elements associated with search and rescue operations at these elevations: inclement weather, low visibility, and icy temperatures.(With inputs from PTI)FAQsWhere is Sela Lake located?Sela Lake is located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district, near the Sela Pass, at an altitude of over 13,000 feet above sea level.Why is Sela Lake dangerous during winter?During winter, the lake freezes over, but the ice is often thin and unstable, making it unsafe to walk on despite appearing solid.What caused the drowning incident at Sela Lake?The incident occurred when one tourist slipped into the frozen lake, and two others drowned while attempting to rescue him.Have authorities issued safety advisories for tourists?Yes, district authorities have installed warning signboards and issued advisories cautioning tourists against walking on frozen lakes.What precautions should tourists take in high-altitude winter destinations?Tourists should follow local advisories, avoid frozen water bodies, prepare for low oxygen levels, and remain alert to sudden weather changes.Wheeling Around: Your Road Trip Guide To Tawang