In a heartbreaking incident on Monday, a man lost his life at the popular Aradonga picnic area, located under Athiabari Police Outpost in Meghalaya, near the Assam-Meghalaya border. The deceased, identified as Gautam Ganguly, a 56-year-old resident of Hatat Colony, Rest Camp, Pandu, Guwahati, was discovered by local residents, who immediately alerted the police.
Athiabari Police Outpost in-charge, Samuel Sangma, reached the location promptly to recover the body, which was sent to Riangdo in the West Khasi Hills District for a post-mortem examination. According to preliminary investigations, Ganguly lost his balance while at the stream, resulting in the tragic accident.
Details of the Incident
Hahim Police Outpost in-charge, Lakhi Nandan Boro, also visited the scene and reported that Ganguly was part of a group of around 60 people from Adabari, Guwahati, who had come to the scenic Aradonga picnic spot in two buses. The group, which included Ganguly’s colleagues and their employer from a departmental store in Adabari, was there to celebrate a picnic.
While the group was busy preparing food, Ganguly wandered off alone. Shortly afterward, local villagers informed the group about a body found in the stream, which was later identified as Ganguly’s.
Scenic yet Risky Picnic Spot
The picturesque Aradonga village, located in the West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, is a favorite destination for picnickers from Assam, especially during the winter season, from December to mid-February. Surrounded by lush forests, mountains, rivers, and streams, the area attracts thousands annually. However, despite strict safety regulations imposed by authorities, incidents like these highlight the risks associated with such natural spots.
The stream near Aradonga, which flows into Assam and connects with the Singra River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, adds to the location’s charm but poses hazards, especially during the picnic season.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety protocols while visiting such sites. The tragic loss of Ganguly serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of nature’s allure.
