Four children drown in Changa Manga forest pond

Three siblings, their cousin lose lives in wildlife-designated water body

CHANGA MANGA:

Four children, including three siblings and their cousin, drowned in a pond designated for wildlife in the Changa Manga Forest area on Tuesday.

Rescue 1122 officials said the children were bathing in the pond near Vir Singh Wala when they drowned.

Rescue teams recovered the bodies and shifted them to THQ Hospital Chunian.

The deceased were identified as 11-year-old Hadiya, 12-year-old Imran, 12-year-old Muhammad Murad, and nine-year-old Faizan.

Family members said the children had come from Toba Tek Singh to spend their summer holidays at their grandmother's home.

The tragic incident has raised questions about safety arrangements at the forest, particularly as the pond was designated for wildlife.

Local residents expressed concern over how children were able to reach the area and alleged 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.

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.

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.