Lonavala: Bushi Dam overflows, 5 of a family swept away, police issue urgent appeal

Lonavala/Pune, 30th June 2024: A leisurely outing amidst the monsoon turned tragic for a Pune-based family today as five members were swept away in the waters near Bhushi Dam, prompting a frantic search and recovery effort by local authorities.

Police Inspector Suhas Jagtap of Lonavala City Police Station reported that around 3:00 PM, a family from Pune ventured to the waterfall behind Bhushi Dam for a rainy day excursion. While five individuals managed to escape the strong currents, five others were tragically carried away by the water. As of now, the bodies of three victims have been recovered.

Two children are still missing. Inspector Jagtap said that a search operation is ongoing with the help of Shivdurg Mitra Mandal and INS Shivaji of the Indian Navy. “The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Railway and Forest Departments. Collaborative efforts with these departments, along with the Municipal Council, are underway to address the incident and enhance safety measures,” he added.

Police have appealed to tourists visiting Lonavala and Khandala during the monsoon season to exercise caution and avoid venturing into unfamiliar or risky areas. Popular spots like Bhushi Dam, Ghubad Lake, Tata Dam, Tungali Dam, Rajmachi Fort near Khandala, Kunegaon, and Kurwande are especially cautioned for safety hazards during heavy rains, Inspector Jagtap said. He issued a plea for tourists to prioritize safety and adhere to local guidelines, ensuring a secure and enjoyable monsoon vacation without compromising personal safety or that of their loved ones.

Crowds and Traffic Congestion

Lonavla news: Heavy rain is ongoing in the Ghat section of Pune, leading to the overflow of Bhushi Dam. The continuous rains for the past few days have caused the famous Bhushi Dam to overflow. Since today was a holiday and a large number of tourists had crowded the area, resulting in significant traffic congestion in the city. Heavy rain is predicted in Pune for the next four days, and the Ghat area of Lonavala is experiencing substantial rainfall.

The weekend influx of tourists from Mumbai and various parts of the state, including Pune, has added to the congestion. Thousands of tourists enjoyed the water on the steps of Bhushi Dam, with large crowds also seen at other popular spots like Lions Point and Tiger Point. The police have intervened to manage the traffic jam, making necessary changes to reduce congestion.

Search and Rescue Operations

The local administration and emergency services have rushed to the spot immediately following the incident. Advanced equipment and technology are being utilized in the search operation, with all-out efforts to trace the missing persons. Locals and tourists witnessed the mishap as family members tried to save each other, but their efforts were futile due to the rushing water. This incident has spread fear among the locals and tourists alike.

Safety Instructions and Appeals

Bhushi Dam is a popular spot during the rainy season, attracting many tourists every year. However, the risk of such accidents increases due to the speed of the water and the severity of the falls. The administration has issued safety instructions to tourists, prohibiting them from going to dangerous places.

After this unfortunate incident, other members and relatives of the family are left in grief. The administration has assured them of the necessary assistance. The search operation is expected to be successful soon. Pune SP Pankaj Deshmukh informed that all five people belong to the same family and are residents of Pune.