Four children, including three siblings and their cousin, drowned in a wildlife pond in the Changa Manga Forest area on Tuesday. Officials have ordered a report as residents demand an inquiry into safety arrangements.
LAHORE: Four children, including three siblings and their cousin, drowned in a pond meant for wildlife in the Changa Manga Forest area on Tuesday, according to Rescue 1122 officials.
Rescue authorities said the children were bathing in the pond near Vir Singh Wala when they went under water. Rescue teams later retrieved the bodies and moved them to THQ Hospital Chunian.
The deceased were identified as Hadiya, 11, Imran, 12, Muhammad Murad, 12, and Faizan, 9. Family members said the children had travelled from Toba Tek Singh to spend their summer holidays at their grandmother’s house.
The incident has prompted concern over safety measures at the forest, particularly because the pond had been designated for wildlife. Local residents questioned how children were able to access the site and alleged that there was no protective fencing on the side connected to the nearby residential area.
Residents also pointed out that the offices of the Divisional Forest Officer, Sub-Divisional Officer and other forest staff are situated within the forest, while rangers and security personnel remain deployed there around the clock. They called for a transparent inquiry into the deaths and sought accountability if negligence is found.
Rescue 1122 urged parents to keep children away from canals, ponds and other water bodies during the summer and to ensure that they are not left unattended near dangerous locations.
Deputy Commissioner Kasur Asif Raza and District Police Officer Kasur Aftab Ahmed Phalrowan expressed grief 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 order a thorough investigation and take action against anyone found responsible. Authorities said further investigations are under way to determine the circumstances of the tragedy.
