A government official in India, Rajesh Vishwas, has been suspended from his job after draining a reservoir in a misguided attempt to retrieve his dropped phone while taking a selfie. The incident took place at the Paralkot reservoir in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Over a period of four days, more than 2 million liters of water were pumped out of the reservoir, causing environmental concerns and drawing criticism for wasting a precious resource during a time of severe heat.
Vishwas, a local food inspector, had been visiting the scenic spot with friends when his Samsung handset slipped from his grasp and fell into the reservoir. In an effort to recover the phone, he rented a diesel pump and sought permission from a sub-divisional officer to drain water into a nearby canal. However, Vishwas' version of events conflicts with his employer's claims. While he maintains that he drained water from the overflow section of the dam, which was not in usable condition, his suspension order alleges that he did not receive permission to drain the water.
The incident sparked outrage due to the significant quantity of water wasted. India has been facing severe water scarcity, and draining millions of liters of water for personal gain was deemed irresponsible and inappropriate. Vishwas' actions were seen as a misuse of his position and disregard for the critical water situation in the region. The suspension order issued by Vishwas' employer cited his misuse of authority and the squandering of a valuable resource as grounds for disciplinary action. The incident also raised concerns about the impact on the local ecosystem and wildlife due to the sudden depletion of the reservoir.
The case highlighted the growing issue of risky behavior associated with taking selfies, which has led to numerous accidents and fatalities worldwide. Selfie-related incidents have become a significant concern, particularly among young people, prompting authorities to issue warnings and implement safety measures at popular tourist spots. Efforts to retrieve the phone without draining the reservoir were reportedly made by Vishwas and others present at the scene, but the depth of the water hindered their attempts. The decision to drain the reservoir was made with the assumption that the phone could be recovered easily, but it resulted in unintended consequences and the suspension of Vishwas.
The incident serves as a reminder of the need for responsible behavior while using technology and the importance of preserving natural resources. It has sparked a debate on the appropriate use of public resources and the consequences of actions that prioritize personal belongings over broader societal and environmental concerns. In conclusion, Rajesh Vishwas, an Indian government official, has been suspended for draining a reservoir in an ill-advised attempt to retrieve his dropped phone while taking a selfie. His actions were criticized for wasting a significant amount of water during a period of severe heat and water scarcity. The incident raises awareness about the risks associated with selfie culture and the need for responsible behavior in preserving resources.
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Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
