Three NIT Silchar students drowned at a waterfall in Dima Hasao district on Saturday, 8 November 2025, turning a short weekend trip into a heartbreaking tragedy. The victims were first-year BTech students who had gone to explore a scenic location near Harangajao, about 30 kilometers from Haflong, Assam’s hill headquarters.
How the NIT Silchar Students Drown Incident Happened
According to officials, the students slipped into a deep pool created by the strong current of the Harangajao waterfall. They were reportedly taking photographs when one student lost footing, and the others tried to help but were also swept away.
The deceased were identified as Sarvakritika Singh (18) from Balia, Uttar Pradesh, Radhika Kumari (18) from Nalanda, Bihar, and Sauhard Kumar (19) from Uttar Pradesh. All were pursuing first-year BTech courses at NIT Silchar.
Rescue Teams Face Tough Conditions
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police began rescue work soon after hearing of the tragedy. But rough terrain and poor connectivity made access difficult.
One body was found on Saturday evening, and the remaining two were recovered the next day after a long search. Local villagers helped the rescue team cross the rocky terrain and narrow forest paths.
NIT Silchar Mourns Its Students
The NIT Silchar campus remained in deep mourning. The institute suspended classes for a day. Hundreds of students gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember their friends.
Director Prof. Dilip Kumar Baidya said the students had left the campus without formal permission. He added that NIT Silchar would review its safety and outing rules to prevent such incidents in the future.
Authorities Respond to the NIT Silchar Students Drown Case
The Dima Hasao district administration has started reviewing safety protocols at waterfalls and picnic spots. Officials said they would install warning signs, fencing, and rescue ropes at risky points.
These steps aim to prevent future tragedies like the NIT Silchar students drown incident. The administration also plans to train local guides and form quick-response units for emergencies in tourist areas.
Campus and Community Reaction
The deaths have caused grief across Assam and beyond. Students, alumni, and parents have urged NIT Silchar to improve supervision of off-campus trips. Many have called for mandatory safety briefings and better emergency contacts for students traveling to remote areas.
The tragedy also exposed the lack of infrastructure in Dima Hasao, a region known for its natural beauty but limited by poor roads and weak mobile networks. These issues often delay rescue work when accidents occur.
A Broader Call for Safety in Educational Institutions
Experts say the NIT Silchar students drown case highlights a larger need for national-level safety protocols. Universities should establish digital outing registers, require trip permissions, and ensure emergency preparedness.
Education departments could also issue standard safety rules for all institutes located near forests, rivers, or hill terrain. Quick coordination between local police and educational bodies can save lives in future emergencies.
Condolences and Emotional Tributes
Messages of sympathy poured in from across the state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed sorrow on social media, saying the government stands with the victims’ families.
On Sunday evening, hundreds of students at NIT Silchar held a memorial service. They lit candles and observed a minute of silence for their classmates who lost their lives too soon.
Safety Before Adventure — The Way Forward
The heartbreaking NIT Silchar students drown tragedy is a reminder that safety must come before adventure. Students visiting natural sites should travel with trained guides and avoid risky areas, especially near waterfalls or gorges.
Authorities in Assam have already begun safety audits in Dima Hasao. Institutions and parents must also ensure students understand the risks of remote travel.
By combining awareness, preparedness, and responsibility, such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
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The NIT Silchar students drown incident at the Dima Hasao waterfall is a painful loss for the academic community of Assam. It underscores the need for stronger safety systems, better communication, and stricter travel rules in educational institutions.
As Assam mourns, this tragedy must become a turning point for creating a safer, more responsible future for students exploring India’s natural landscapes.