A tragic incident occurred at Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district when the frozen surface gave way and two tourists from Kerala drowned. The accident took place on Friday afternoon near the high-altitude lake, which lies close to Sela Pass at about 13,700 feet above sea level. The site is a popular winter destination, but the ice cover can be deceptive and unsafe.
Incident Details
A group of seven tourists from Kerala had stopped at the lake between 2:30 PM and 3 PM. Three members reportedly slipped into the icy water after the frozen surface cracked. One tourist managed to escape, while two were pulled under. Rescue teams recovered one body by evening, while the second tourist remained missing when operations were suspended.
Rescue Operation
Search and rescue efforts were launched immediately. Teams from the Indian Army, the Sashastra Seema Bal, the National Disaster Response Force, and local police reached the spot. The operation was hampered by difficult terrain, freezing temperatures, and poor visibility. Temperatures fell to around 1 degree Celsius, forcing officials to halt the search later in the day. The operation was scheduled to resume on Saturday morning.
Victims and Legal Action
The deceased was identified as Binu Prakash, 26, from Kollar in Kerala’s Nedumpano district. The missing tourist was identified as Mahavir. Police registered a case of unnatural death at Jung Police Station. Authorities said the mandatory legal procedures, including post-mortem examination, would be completed as per protocol.
Safety Concerns at Sela Lake
Sela Lake, also known as Paradise Lake, is revered by the Monpa community and is a major tourist attraction in winter. However, officials have warned that the frozen surface is often unstable. Warning signboards and designated safe areas have been installed, but tourists are still known to step onto the ice, mistaking it for a secure platform.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026