Lonavala Waterfall Tragedy: Pune Officials Issues Advisory For Tourists

Pune: After the tragic deaths of a woman and four children at a waterfall near Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, the Pune administration has outlined a series of safety measures for hazardous tourist locations across the district. These measures include identifying and marking dangerous areas, deploying lifeguards and rescue teams, and installing warning boards.

This move comes after a woman and four children were swept away at the waterfall, a well-known picnic spot in the picturesque Lonavala hill station of Maharashtra's Pune district.

The Pavana Dam in Lonavala has witnessed a series of drownings. During the monsoon season, a larger number of tourists visit Bhushi and Pavana dams, Lonavala, Sinhgad, Malshej, Tamhini, and other Western Ghats locations in Pune district, often venturing into dangerous areas.

Set of Guidelines Issued

Pune Collector Dr. Suhas Divase issued a set of guidelines and directed authorities to identify potential hazardous spots at these tourist locations and implement necessary safety measures. "Identify the dangerous spots at various tourist places, such as dams, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, cliffs, and mark them as prohibited areas by installing perimeter lines and warning boards, so that tourists do not venture beyond them," Divase stated in a notification.

Places that are disaster-prone and where safety measures cannot be taken must be shut down for tourists, he said.

He instructed agencies such as revenue, forest, railways, municipal corporations, and the Public Works Department to deploy divers, rescue boats, lifeguards, and life jackets at water bodies frequented by tourists. Additionally, NGOs, rescue foundations, trekkers, NDRF, and locals should be involved in disaster management efforts.

Ambulances with first aid facilities should also be deployed, the collector said. Visitors will not be allowed to enter tourist spots located in forest areas after 6 pm.

The forest department should take action against encroachments at tourist spots in forest areas, and the local administration should decide the timings for visitors and ensure they do not stop there after sunset, he said.

"If required, take action against those who violate the rules and regulations," Divase stated. He asked local officials to implement all the measures and ensure there is no loss of life. If there is any dereliction found in the implementation of the measures, the official and the department head concerned will be held responsible.

(Inputs from PTI)