Pune: 50 Tourists Rescued from Sudden Flooding Near Kalu Waterfall in Malshej Ghat(Video)
A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Saturday evening after 40 to 50 tourists were rescued from a flooded Kalu River near Malshej Ghat, a popular monsoon destination in Pune district. The region has been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past few days, causing a sudden surge in the river’s water level and catching several visitors by surprise.
Despite prior warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Forest Department, tourists continued to flock to high-risk locations. The group had ventured close to the Kalu Waterfall when a sharp rise in water levels left them stranded with no safe route to return.
According to officials, the overflow was triggered by intense rainfall in the river’s upper catchment area. As panic set in among the trapped tourists, a coordinated and swift rescue operation was launched involving the local police, forest department, and emergency response teams. Working through slippery terrain and persistent rain, rescuers managed to safely evacuate everyone after several tense hours, with no injuries reported.
Local authorities have once again urged citizens to avoid visiting dangerous and flood-prone areas during the monsoon season. They stressed the importance of following IMD advisories and obeying safety directives issued by the Forest Department.
The incident is a stark reminder of the risks associated with monsoon tourism in the Western Ghats. Officials have called for stricter enforcement and increased public awareness to prevent similar incidents and ensure visitor safety.
