Fri Jan 16 17:34:16 UTC 2026: ### Tragedy Strikes Sela Lake: Tourist Drowns, Another Missing in Arunachal Pradesh
The Story:
On Friday, January 16, 2026, a tourist from Kerala drowned in Sela Lake, located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Another tourist is currently missing. The incident occurred when two members of a seven-person group ventured onto the frozen lake, and the ice cracked, causing them to fall into the frigid water. Rescue operations were immediately launched but were hampered by fading light and harsh weather conditions.
Key Points:
* The incident occurred at Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh on January 16, 2026.
* One tourist, 26-year-old Dinu, drowned, and another, 24-year-old Mahadev, is missing.
* They were part of a seven-member tourist group heading to Tawang town.
* Rescue operations were launched involving the Sashastra Seema Bal and the State Disaster Response Force.
* Warning signboards were in place, and an advisory was issued on December 17, 2025, cautioning against walking on frozen lakes.
Key Takeaways:
* Despite warnings, tourists are still taking risks by venturing onto frozen lakes.
* Harsh weather conditions in high-altitude regions like Arunachal Pradesh can quickly turn dangerous.
* The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and increased awareness among tourists.
* Search and rescue operations are severely hampered by weather and fading light.
Impact Analysis:
This incident is likely to lead to increased scrutiny of tourism safety measures in Arunachal Pradesh, specifically around high-altitude lakes during winter. There may be calls for more stringent enforcement of existing regulations, increased penalties for violations, and enhanced public awareness campaigns targeting tourists. Furthermore, it may impact tourism in the short term, as potential visitors may be deterred by safety concerns, but in the long term, it may influence safer practices from tourists.
First Piper 