Agencies, 2 July 2024: Following the tragic incident in which five members of a family lost their lives near Maharashtra’s Bhushi Dam near Lonavala on Sunday, the Pune district collector Suhas Divase has brought out strict guidelines for tourists and local authorities. The instructions aim to ensure safety in tourist spots and avert similar instances in the future.
A safety survey will soon be conducted in various areas around the Western Ghats including Maval, Khed, Mulshi, Bhor, Junnar, Ambegaon and Velha, which experience tourism activity and yet have the potential for hazards. Officials will also visit various dams, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, forest areas and forts around the region to inspect safety measures. These are the safety instructions issued for tourists and local authorities by the administration:
Police said the spot where the incident took place is a “restricted area” under the jurisdiction of Indian Railways and the Forest Department. A day after five persons including four children were swept away in a waterfall located in a “restricted area” approximately 2 kilometres from Bhushi Dam in Lonavala.