A 45-year-old forester died after falling into the Phochhu while patrolling the river in a boat. The incident occurred below Tsekha village under Toedwang Gewog in Punakha, today at around 11:45 AM. The deceased was thrown out of the boat by a strong current and was washed away more than 200 metres downward. He was immediately taken to Punakha hospital but the doctor said he was brought in dead.
Another 28-year-old forester who dived into the river to save the deceased was also washed away around two to three kilometres by the river. However, he was saved by locals, police and DeSuups.
According to the Chief Forest Officer, the deceased was on regular river patrolling along with nine other forest officials from the Wangdue Forest Division. They began their river patrolling by rafting in two boats from Samdingkha. Every two to three months, forest officials conduct river patrolling to control illegal fishing and other forestry-related activities.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam
