Parakadavu, the death trap of Chaliyar

NILAMBUR: With many deep drenches, strong undercurrents and unpredictable flow, Chaliyar river is always a death trap for the strangers, which is evident in the fact that almost all victims in the accidents in the river were visitors from distant places. The accident that occurred on Thursday was also no different.The deep pits created after sand mining lead to accidents. The sand mafia have even made several pits on the river shore as well. Those who come from distant places usually do not have no idea about these death traps in which they eventually fall prey.“Most of the accidents in the river occur due to the pits created by the sand mafia.The undercurrents in the river also endanger persons who are unaware of the nature of the river,” Satheesh Kumar A R, a native near Chaliyar in Nilambur said.Parakadavu, just opposite to the Cheenikadavu, where the accident occurred on Thursday is  one of the danger zones in Chaliyar. The slippery nature of the rocks makes this a danger zone. Once fallen into the river it is impossible to come out because of the deep pits. Natives added that many of the pits are eight to 10 metres in depth.“Several people have died in Parakkadavu. Most of them outsiders who were unaware of the dangers in the river,” Aju P Nair, another native said.The people living on the shores of Chaliyar have not forgotten yet the boat accident occurred in November 2009. A boat carrying more than 35 children to a school in Areekode capsized in the middle of the river. Eight students, six boys and two girls, died in the accident.