Examiner News Desk |Srinagar:
A video showing a tourist driving a Toyota Fortuner through a stretch of the Jhelum River in Kashmir has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism and raising concerns about public safety, environmental responsibility, and tourist conduct in ecologically sensitive areas.
The video, widely shared on social media platform X, shows the sport utility vehicle (SUV) moving through the river while the driver appears to be recording the stunt from inside the vehicle. Several bystanders standing along the riverbank were also seen filming the incident.
Despite the flowing water and uneven riverbed, the vehicle successfully crossed the stretch and emerged without any apparent damage.
The incident has since sparked a debate online, with many users questioning the rationale behind driving a vehicle into a river and calling for stricter enforcement of regulations governing tourist activities in natural and environmentally sensitive locations.
“The real issue isn’t the vehicle, it’s the mindset. Driving a Fortuner into the Jhelum River for a few seconds of attention shows why civic sense is a bigger problem than infrastructure. We blame authorities for everything, but responsibility starts with individuals too,” read the caption accompanying one of the viral posts.
Several social media users demanded action against the driver, arguing that such stunts promote reckless behaviour and could potentially endanger lives.
“If exemplary punishment is meted out to such individuals, others will think twice before attempting similar acts. Why do the same people follow rules abroad? It comes down to governance and strict enforcement of laws,” one user wrote.
Another user called for stringent penalties, including impounding the vehicle and imposing substantial fines, to deter similar incidents in the future.
Apart from safety concerns, many users highlighted the possible environmental impact of driving vehicles through natural water bodies. Commenters expressed concern over potential pollution and disturbance to the fragile ecosystem of the Jhelum River, one of Kashmir’s most significant waterways.
“Polluting the Jhelum River, historically known as the Vitasta, is unacceptable. Authorities should take appropriate action against such activities,” another user commented.
Some social media users attributed such behaviour to advertisements showcasing the off-road and water-wading capabilities of SUVs.
“Television commercials often depict these vehicles driving effortlessly through water bodies. Many owners simply try to replicate what they see in advertisements,” a user remarked.
While no mishap was reported, the video has reignited discussions on responsible tourism and the need to safeguard natural landscapes from activities that could threaten public safety or harm the environment.
Authorities had not issued any official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.
