An idyllic Sunday outing turned perilous for around 70 picnickers at Pali waterfall in Thane-Sattari, as heavy rainfall caused a sudden surge in water levels, trapping them amidst cascading waters. The incident, reminiscent of past tragedies, prompted a swift response from police, emergency services, and forest department teams who executed a meticulous rescue operation, bringing all individuals to safety in two stages.
The ordeal unfolded as the rising water levels rendered the picnickers unable to navigate their way out, underscoring the unpredictable nature of seasonal waterfalls during monsoon downpours. Resorting to emergency protocols, responders utilized ropes to extract tourists and locals from the water, guiding them to safety through alternative routes. Following heavy rains, access to waterfalls had been restricted by the forest department, albeit under pressure from local vendors reliant on visitor traffic. Despite assurances of safety, the incident at Pali waterfall illustrates the inherent risks posed by nature’s force, even at seemingly secure locations. Sattari, a magnet for weekend picnickers from across Goa and neighbouring states during monsoon, witnesses a surge in tourism as seasonal waterfalls come alive. However, this surge brings with it the potential for emergencies, evident as roads were submerged and blocked at Keri Goteli and Velus Sattari, disrupting vehicular traffic and affecting nearby plantations.
Incidents of structural damage were reported in Honda taluka, where gusty winds accompanying heavy rain tore off the roof of a civil supplies department godown, resulting in substantial losses. Homes in the taluka also bore the brunt, with several trees uprooted amid adverse weather conditions. The situation was compounded by rising water levels in the Mhadei river, exacerbating concerns over flood risks and necessitating vigilant monitoring by local authorities. As Goa navigates through the monsoon season, authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to safety advisories and maintaining awareness of weather-related hazards.
The rescue operation at Pali waterfall serves as a poignant reminder of the need for proactive disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in regions susceptible to seasonal monsoon impacts. As communities strive to balance economic activity with public safety, the incident underscores the imperative of integrating sustainable tourism practices with stringent safety measures to mitigate risks and ensure visitor well-being amidst nature’s unpredictability.
