No safety for unsuspecting swimmers in Solan district “College students visit this place but they don’t realize the river is deep and they could drown.” The flowing river near Brijpur in Himachal Pradesh is a growing tourist attraction. It is a common sight to see young people swimming here on weekends. However, many of them are not aware that the river is dangerous and they could, in fact, drown in it. Approximately eight people lose their lives every year in these deceptive waters. Community Correspondent Avdesh Negi lives 22 kilometers from Brijpur, in the city of Solan. “The news of these deaths has been reported by journalists in Solan and Shimla, yet the state government and the community chooses to turn a blind eye to it.” he says angrily. “They don’t seem to understand that they could actually save an innocent person’s life just through providing certain amenities. These amenities include simple things like a notice board warning swimmers of potential danger, a first aid kit, or just some water floats that people could use.” When asked why the residents of Brijpur and Solan haven't done anything on their part, Avdesh replied, “Most of the drowned have been college students from other areas. When people here read about this news, they brush it off assuming that the youngsters were just being careless. Being tourists, the townspeople feel they can ignore what happens to them.” Avdesh is frustrated for he feels that the government has not done its part. However, isn’t it time that we stop depending on others and resolve issues like this on our own? -Rajyashri Goody