Team Herald
PONDA: Despite the State witnessing a spike in COVID cases, the “killer” Kodar River has turned out to be picnic spot for migrants.
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According to the locals, following the spurt in COVID cases and police patrolling, they have stopped visiting the Kodar River for picnics and bathing.
However, Sunday came as a surprise as the river witnessed a crowd of migrants including a group from the neighbouring State who came to enjoy and consume liquor.
Kodar locals were irked to see these people at the spot at a time when the State is witnessing a spike in COVID cases. The residents complained that these strangers/migrants, who are unaware of the dangers of the river, are risking their lives by venturing into the water. What angered the locals the most was that these visitors dumped alcohol bottles in a palm bagayat along the river bank.
The locals claimed that the Agriculture Department has kept the palm bagayat gate open due to which these people frequent the river.
The locals have been demanding that the riverside be fenced to prevent drowning cases but in vain.
According to locals, in the past over 20 youth, especially migrants, after consuming alcohol, have drowned while bathing in the river. Recently, a Sattari youth met a watery grave.
