A troubling rise in tourist fatalities, lonavla police has highlighted, a predominantly attributed to drowning incidents, prompting immediate steps to bolster safety protocols at key tourist destinations in the area. Since 2017, Lonavla has recorded a total of 47 deaths in various drowning incidents, primarily concentrated at Bhushi Dam, as reported by police records.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has responded to these incidents by directing the administration to take immediate action. This includes the installation of warning boards and fencing at risky locations to dissuade tourists from entering hazardous areas. Pawar emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent further mishaps, highlighting a recent tragedy where five members of a family were swept away in the backwater of Bhushi Dam on June 30.The Police officials have reiterated that many of these fatalities were a result of tourists disregarding warnings issued by authorities. Despite repeated appeals and the presence of signage, tourists often venture into restricted and slippery zones near dam backwaters, increasing the risk of accidents.”To mitigate such tragedies, we are allocating funds from the district planning committee to implement enhanced security measures,” said Pawar, underlining the government’s commitment to safeguarding tourists. This initiative aims to improve awareness and prevent incidents by making potential dangers more visible to visitors.
Reflecting on the recent incident, a senior police inspector at Lonavla police said, “Tourists frequently ignore the warnings prominently displayed by police and district administration. Our efforts to install clear signage and warning boards are aimed at educating visitors about the risks involved.”Officials have responded by intensifying police presence and restricting entry to popular viewpoints such as Lion’s Point, Tiger Point, and Shivling Point from 6 pm to 6 am, effective from July 2 to August 31.The proactive steps taken by the Lonavla officials highlight a focused endeavour to improve visitor safety while preserving the region’s natural allure. As tourism thrives in Lonavla, these initiatives play a crucial role in enabling visitors to responsibly enjoy the attractions without jeopardizing their safety.
