DILBAR HUSSAIN-Bangla Manthaar
RAHIM YAR KHAN: The picturesque Goth Beeri Lake, a unique natural saltwater tourist destination situated in the Cholistan Desert of District Rahim Yar Khan, remains closed to visitors until further notice following a fatal drowning incident. The indefinite shutdown has left local travel enthusiasts and tourists eagerly awaiting its safe reopening.
The temporary closure stems from a tragic incident where 21-year-old Muhammad Umar, a resident of Thali Chowk, Rehman Colony, visited the lake with friends. While recording a video near the edge, Umar accidentally slipped into deep water and drowned. Following an intensive 15-hour search operation utilizing modern technology, the Goth Beeri administration successfully recovered his body and handed it over to his grieving family.
While the local community expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of life, citizens and frequent visitors emphasized that the incident was an unforeseen accident. They argued that keeping one of the region’s prominent recreational spots closed indefinitely is not a suitable long-term solution.
Tourism advocates and local residents have called upon senior officials of SCARP-6 (Salinity Control and Reclamation Project) to intervene. They requested the authority to implement necessary safety protocols—such as appointing trained lifeguards, installing warning signage near deep-water zones, and erecting protective barriers—so that the unique natural beauty of Goth Beeri Lake can once again be enjoyed safely by the public.
