Varanasi, June 4 -- District authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution at the city's ghats and water bodies, warning that most drowning incidents are preventable and often result from negligence and risky behaviour. Additional district magistrate (Finance and Revenue) Sadanand Gupta said people should avoid venturing into deep water while bathing in the Ganga, visiting unsafe locations, and attempting selfies, reels or videos in hazardous areas. With around 84 ghats along the Ganga riverfront, Varanasi witnesses thousands of devotees, tourists and locals daily for bathing, worship, boating and sightseeing. Gupta noted that drowning-related fatalities remain one of the leading causes of disaster-related deaths in the district. He expressed concern that a significant number of victims are below 25 years of age, underscoring the need for greater parental supervision and public awareness. Children and young adults often underestimate the risks associated with rivers and other water bodies, he said. Gupta appealed to parents, guardians and teachers to ensure children do not visit ghats alone, remain under constant supervision while bathing, and are educated about water safety. He also urged families to discourage risky social media activities near riverbanks and promote responsible behaviour around water....