Tragedy Unfolds as Three Students Drown in Aliyar River

Three final-year physiotherapy students from Chennai lost their lives after drowning in the Aliyar River near Pollachi in Coimbatore district. The incident occurred during an early morning excursion, part of a college trip to attend a cultural event.

The deceased have been identified as P Tarun Viswastharangan , M Revanth , and G Joseph Anto Jeniff , all students of Saveetha College of Physiotherapy. They were among a group of 28 students, accompanied by a clinical therapist, who had travelled to Coimbatore for the event. After spending the night at the host college, the group proceeded to Aliyar for sightseeing.

According to police reports, the students entered the river near a bridge, disregarding warnings from local residents about the area's depth and potential hazards. The three students were caught in a deep pit within the riverbed and drowned. Local villagers managed to retrieve the bodies, which were subsequently sent to Pollachi Government Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

The Aliyar River, part of the Parambikulam-Aliyar basin, is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty. However, certain sections of the river are known to have sudden depth variations and strong undercurrents, posing risks to swimmers. Despite the presence of warning signs and advisories, incidents of drowning have been reported in the area.

In response to the incident, the Water Resources Department has imposed a ban on bathing in water bodies surrounding the Aliyar reservoir. Warning boards have been installed at known trespassing points, and temporary staff, along with police personnel and home guards, have been deployed to monitor vulnerable areas and prevent unauthorized entry.

Officials from the fire and rescue services department have reported nine drowning deaths in the Pollachi region over the past three and a half months, with four occurring near the Aliyar Dam. The department emphasized the dangers present in certain areas of the Aliyar basin and the need for strict enforcement of safety measures.

The district administration has acknowledged the recurring incidents and is considering permanent solutions to enhance safety. Pollachi Sub-Collector Viswanathan stated that temporary measures are in place to prevent tourists from entering hazardous areas, and discussions are underway to implement long-term strategies. Open URL