CHANGA MANGA: A tragic incident occurred in the Changa Manga Forest area on Tuesday, where four children—three siblings and their cousin—drowned in a pond designated for wildlife. According to Rescue 1122 officials, the children were bathing in the pond near Vir Singh Wala when they drowned. Rescue teams recovered the bodies and transported them to THQ Hospital Chunian.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as 11-year-old Hadiya, 12-year-old Imran, 12-year-old Muhammad Murad, and nine-year-old Faizan. Family members stated that the children had come from Toba Tek Singh to spend their summer holidays at their grandmother's home.
Safety Concerns Raised
The tragic event has raised serious questions about safety arrangements at the forest, particularly regarding the pond designated for wildlife. Local residents expressed concerns about how children were able to access the area, alleging that there was no protective fencing around the pond from the side adjoining the nearby population. Residents noted that offices of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), and other forest officials are located within the forest, while forest rangers and security personnel remain deployed in the area round the clock. They called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and demanded accountability if negligence is established.
Authorities Respond
Rescue 1122 urged parents to keep children away from canals, ponds, and other water bodies during the summer season and to ensure they are not left unattended near potentially hazardous locations. Deputy Commissioner Kasur Asif Raza and District Police Officer (DPO) Kasur Aftab Ahmed Phalrowan expressed sorrow over the deaths. The deputy commissioner took notice of the incident and directed the Assistant Commissioner Chunian to submit a report.
Appeal for Inquiry
Local residents have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the provincial forest department to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and take appropriate action against those found responsible. Authorities said further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
