Locals gather for mass fishing in swollen Gangadhar River despite high alert in Assam's Dhubri

Despite warnings and a high alert in downstream areas following the recent glacial lake outburst flood in Bhutan, scores of residents gathered along the swollen Gangadhar River in the Golakganj area of Assam’s Dhubri district on the morning of October 31 for mass fishing.

Ignoring advisories to stay away from swollen rivers and other water bodies, several locals reportedly ventured into the fast-flowing river to catch fish.

Eyewitnesses said the river carried an unusually large quantity of fish, along with wooden logs and other debris, from the upper catchment areas. Residents were also seen collecting logs from the riverbanks.

The gathering comes at a time when disaster management authorities are monitoring river levels, embankments and low-lying areas in downstream districts following the Bhutan incident.

The incident has raised concerns over public safety, as entering swollen and fast-flowing rivers during such conditions can pose serious risks.