Parents of Advait Verma, who drowned at Pavana Lake, take legal steps against Maharashtra government
Five Drown in Two Tragic Incidents in Pune District, Including Four Teenagers Near Chakan
The family of 18-year-old Advait Verma, who tragically drowned in the backwaters of Pavana Dam in Maval taluka on June 23, has taken legal steps against the state government, raising serious concerns about safety measures at the popular tourist destination.
Advait, a second-year BBA student at Symbiosis College in Viman Nagar, had embarked on a picnic with friends when the unfortunate incident occurred. In the wake of their son’s unfortunate death, Advait’s parents have served a legal notice to the state government under Section 80 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908. This section mandates that a legal notice be sent to the government or a public officer before filing a lawsuit, offering the authorities a chance to address the issue without resorting to court proceedings. The notice, sent through Pune-based lawyer Nitin Kamble, accuses the government of negligence and demands preventive measures to avert further tragedies, alongside seeking compensation for their loss.
The serene surroundings of Pavana Dam, nestled in the lush greens of Lonavala, have unfortunately been the site of multiple drownings in recent months. The victims include 20-year-old Manish Shankar Sharma in January, 25-year-old Mayank Akhilesh Upadhyay in February, 28-year-old Sagar Kailas Sathe in July, and Advait Verma in June. The frequent occurrences of such incidents have amplified concerns over the lack of safety protocols at this popular tourist spot.
Advait’s uncle, Suresh Verma, a Delhi-based lawyer, highlighted the absence of safety warnings and danger signs around the dam. “When we visited a few days back, there were no tourist information boards or signs indicating the risks. Blaming the children for their own deaths in such a well-known tourist destination is unjust, and the state government cannot simply absolve itself of responsibility,” he asserted.
Monica Budki, Advait’s local guardian, expressed deep regret, stating, “If I had known that Advait was going to Pavana Dam, I would have warned him about the dangers. His friend from the trip mentioned that the water level suddenly rose, likely due to dam water being released without proper monitoring.”
In response to the family’s concerns, Nitin Kamble noted that while the government might argue that it’s impractical to station security personnel in open spaces, it is crucial to establish safety measures, such as trained staff, life jackets, and boats, especially at a site so far from the nearest police station. The Verma family, beyond seeking compensation, is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of the Pavana Dam and prevent other families from suffering a similar loss.
