After the tragic drownings of two tourists in Sela Lake and a near-drowning incident in Madhuri Lake, safety concerns for visitors in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang region have intensified. Local discussions focus on whether tourists, tour companies, and authorities have adequate knowledge about the dangers posed by high-altitude lakes, particularly in adverse weather conditions. In response, Tawang’s Deputy Commissioner, Nagmyal Angmo, indicated that the local government is addressing these issues with urgency. This has included organizing a coordination meeting involving the Army, paramilitary forces, and other stakeholders to enhance safety measures following the incident at Madhuri Lake.
To ensure tourist safety, Army and paramilitary personnel have been deployed near Sela Lake to deter visitors from entering the lake. A system for public notification has been established to warn tourists against dangerous activities in the water. The Deputy Commissioner has advised visitors to act responsibly while in Tawang, warning against sharing images or videos of risky behaviors associated with high-altitude lakes on social media, which could encourage others to take similar risks. She also emphasized the necessity for tourists to acclimate properly in Tawang for at least a day before heading to higher-altitude areas like Bumla Pass, advocating for awareness of safety measures.
The cultural and spiritual significance of the lakes was highlighted by the Deputy Commissioner, who noted that activities disrupting local customs and beliefs, or compromising the purity of these lakes, are forbidden. The district administration has reached out to the Assam Tourism Department to ensure that awareness of safety protocols is raised among tour operators and interested stakeholders. According to Tashi Dondup, head of the Tawang unit of the All-Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation, tourists applying for Bumla Pass permits are informed about safety regulations. Furthermore, hotels and taxi drivers provide briefings to tourists; however, many are too eager to heed safety warnings, resulting in unfortunate incidents.
Jang Gaon Bura Chikong Gombu, a local leader, emphasized the significant spiritual relevance of Sela Lake to the Jang community and noted that signboards prohibiting swimming, fishing, and other potentially contaminating activities around the lake have been placed. However, he expressed concern over the reckless behavior of some tourists and urged them to prioritize their safety, stressing that unexplored regions require extra caution. The overall message from local leaders and authorities is to respect the natural environment and adhere to safety guidelines while enjoying the stunning yet perilous high-altitude lakes of the Tawang region.
