Tourists Continue to Throng Bhushi Dam Despite Monsoon Ban and Recent Tragedy
Tourists Continue to Throng Bhushi Dam Despite Monsoon Ban and Recent Tragedy
Lonavala’s Bhushi Dam remains a hotspot for tourists even as monsoon risks intensify and official bans are in place following recent fatal accidents.
In defiance of safety warnings and prohibitory orders, crowds have once again gathered at the popular dam, undeterred by the dangers posed by swelling waters and slippery conditions. This surge in footfall comes just days after the Kundmala bridge collapse in Talegaon, which claimed four lives and injured several others.
Despite the tragic reminder, Bhushi Dam continues to see heavy visitor traffic. On June 8, two people were swept away at the dam — adding to a grim history of accidents. Between 2017 and 2022 alone, 29 deaths have been reported at the site. Last year, five members of a Pune-based family tragically drowned there.
To address the risk, the Pune District Administration has issued strict prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The orders, active until August 31, restrict public access to several monsoon-prone sites, including Bhushi Dam and key locations across Lonavala and Maval.
However, enforcing these restrictions has proven challenging. A video circulating online today shows tourists openly flouting the ban, posing for pictures and enjoying the rains on the dam’s slippery steps — highlighting the difficulties in managing safety at such popular destinations.
Senior Police Inspector of Lonavala City Police emphasized the importance of public cooperation. “We continuously urge people to avoid high-risk areas like Bhushi Dam during the monsoon. Our teams are deployed to prevent mishaps, but public responsibility is key,” he said.
With authorities stretched and natural risks escalating, the situation underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness, responsible tourism, and stricter on-ground enforcement.
