In a recent, heartbreaking boating tragedy at Sakri (also called Shakri or Shakari) Lake near Sarkhej in Ahmedabad.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, September 2, 2025, at Sakri/Shakri Lake, an under-construction waterbody in Sarkhej, Ahmedabad. Four youths found an abandoned municipal corporation boat and took it onto the lake. While on the boat, they engaged in playful behavior—two or more youths sat on one side or shook the boat—which caused it to tip over.
Of the four youths, three tragically drowned:
Pappu Chavda, approximately 18 years old.
Vishal Chavda (also referred to as Manhar/Vishal Kishor Solanki/Chavda), 18–21 years old.
Radhe Chavda, about 20 years old.
The fourth person managed to escape and was rescued. He was taken to Sola Civil Hospital; his identity had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Fire and emergency rescue teams responded swiftly. Two bodies were recovered early, while the third was found after a prolonged operation that lasted around two hours and extended into the evening. A floodlight was used due to the darkness.
The lake redevelopment, completed around March–April 2025, had not been inaugurated. It lacked safety measures: no gazebos, no staff, no guards, no fencing, and no boating supervision. A contractor had warned the authorities that unauthorized access could lead to accidents—warnings that went unheeded.
Locals and anti-social elements were reportedly entering the site after hours—jumping fences, using the area for recreational or illicit activity—even before the redevelopment was officially opened.
Authorities—including AMC Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation , Sarkhej police, and municipal officials—have been criticized for negligence and failing to act on prior warnings, leading to this preventable tragedy
