THARPARKAR: A tragic incident marred the beauty of Tharparkar’s rainy season when the body of a young man from Karachi who drowned in the Maya Dam near Nangarparkar was recovered on Monday, local police confirmed.
According to SHO Nangarparkar Police Piambar Sharma, the deceased, identified as Muhammad Talha, was a resident of Karachi’s Garden area. Talha had traveled to Tharparkar with a group of friends to explore the lush Karoonjhar Hills — a favorite destination for tourists during the monsoon season when the usually arid desert comes alive with greenery and seasonal streams.
Police said Talha accidentally slipped into the deep water of Maya Dam while sightseeing near the dam’s edge. Despite immediate efforts by his friends and local volunteers, he could not be rescued in time due to the strong water currents and slippery terrain caused by the ongoing rains. His body was retrieved after an hours-long search operation by local authorities and volunteers.
Officials added that during the same spell of rain, sudden flash floods stranded more than 10 tourists near the Karoonjhar Hills. Rescue teams, assisted by local villagers, managed to bring the stranded visitors to safety without further casualties.
Every year, Tharparkar attracts thousands of visitors from Karachi and other cities who wish to experience its unique desert landscape transformed by monsoon rains. However, the lack of proper safety arrangements at local dams and streams has led to repeated warnings from local administration.
Police and local authorities have now urged tourists to exercise extreme caution while visiting natural water bodies and hills during the rainy season. They have emphasized that visitors should avoid risky spots, stay in groups, and follow local advisories to prevent such tragedies.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for better tourist safety measures, rescue facilities, and awareness campaigns to ensure that people can enjoy Tharparkar’s rare monsoon beauty without risking their lives.
