Tragedy in Lonavala: Five Swept Away in Restricted Waterfall, Two More Bodies Recovered
Lonavala, July 2, 2024: In a devastating incident, five persons, including four children, were swept away in a waterfall located in a “restricted area” approximately 2 kilometres from Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, Maharashtra. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday, and two more bodies were recovered during a subsequent rescue operation on Monday.
Victims Identified
The bodies recovered on Monday have been identified as that of a nine-year-old girl, Mariya Akil Sayyad, found in the morning, and a four-year-old boy, Adnan Sabhahat Ansari, discovered in the evening, according to police inspector Suhas Jagtap of Lonavala city police station.
The previous day, the search and rescue operation had traced three victims: Ameena Salman alias Adil Ansari (13), her sister Umera Salman alias Adil Ansari (8), and a woman, Shahista Liyakat Ansari (37).
Dangerous Spot and Restricted Access
The incident took place in a “restricted area” under the jurisdiction of the Indian Railways and the Forest Department, located approximately 2 kilometres behind the Bhushi Dam in Lonavala.
“There are boards installed in the area so that people know it is restricted for tourists,” said Satya Sai Karthik, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Lonavala.
Imposing Restrictions and Conducting Surveys
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a team of government officials and Pune rural police carried out a survey of various dangerous spots in the Lonavala region. The government plans to impose restrictions on people entering these locations during the rainy season to prevent similar mishaps in the future.
“As per the directions of the District Collector, a meeting was held with officials from Railways, Forest Department, the Pune rural police, Lonavala Municipal Council, and other government departments concerned on Monday,” SDPO Karthik added.
According to the authorities, the district collector will issue orders that tourists will not be allowed to visit certain dangerous spots in Lonavala after 6 pm.
Monsoon Tourism and the Tragic Incident
Nearly 19 members of the families of Liyakat Ansari and Yunus Khan from Hadapsar in Pune city had come to Lonavala for monsoon tourism on Sunday in a private vehicle. The group included a newly married couple who had tied the knot on June 22.
The group had ventured to the waterfall located in the interiors behind Bhushi Dam in Lonavala. Police suspect that the flow of water was less at first, but due to heavy rain, the waterfall gathered momentum, resulting in ten tourists being swept away around 3 pm on Sunday.
“Five of them had been rescued, but the other five were swept away into the reservoir connecting the dam water,” the police said.
Aftermath and Support for the Families
Former corporator Farooq Inamdar from the Hadapsar area, where the victims resided, expressed his condolences.
“The victims are relatives of each other. The woman who died in the incident worked as a domestic help. Parents of the children who lost their lives are into a small business of selling bakery items,” Inamdar said.
He further revealed that of the 19 persons who went to Lonavala, one hailed from Uttar Pradesh, and the others have been residing in the Hadapsar area for several years. The couple from Sayyad Nagar, who had recently married on June 22, were also part of the ill-fated trip and sustained injuries, though their condition is stable.
Calls for Stricter Measures and Increased Awareness
The tragic incident has highlighted the need for stricter measures to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Lonavala, especially during the monsoon season.
“The place where the incident took place is about two kilometres behind the Bhushi dam. Restrictions will be in place at these spots as per prohibitory orders of the district collector. We appeal to people to be cautious while visiting and follow the restrictions laid down by the government,” SDPO Karthik stated.
Authorities have also emphasized the importance of increased awareness among tourists about the dangers of venturing into restricted and hazardous areas, particularly during the rainy season.
Coordination Among Agencies and Accountability
The collaborative efforts of various government agencies, including the Railways, Forest Department, Pune rural police, Lonavala Municipal Council, and other concerned departments, in conducting the survey and imposing restrictions are essential steps towards preventing such tragedies in the future.
“A meeting was held with officials from these agencies to address the issue and take necessary actions,” SDPO Karthik added.
The authorities have pledged to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to safeguard the lives of tourists visiting Lonavala.
Lessons Learned and a Call for Collective Responsibility
The heartbreaking loss of lives in this incident has underscored the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols and signage in tourist hotspots like Lonavala. It has also highlighted the shared responsibility of the government, tourism operators, and visitors to prioritize safety and adhere to the established guidelines.
As the authorities work to implement stricter regulations and enhance safety measures, the community is called upon to exercise caution, heed warning signs, and cooperate with the authorities to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
“We must learn from this incident and work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all who visit the beautiful Lonavala region,” SDPO Karthik concluded.