Lonavla, a popular hill station in Maharashtra, is well-known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions. Among these, Bhushi Dam stands out as a favorite spot for visitors. However, recent incidents and challenges have led to the imposition of several restrictions to ensure safety and manage traffic more effectively. In this blog, we’ll delve into the recent actions taken by authorities, the reasons behind these measures, and their impact on tourists and locals alike.
The Recent Tragedy and Its Aftermath
The restrictions at Bhushi Dam come in the wake of a tragic incident where five people, including four children, lost their lives. The family had ventured into the west weir of the dam and were swept away, leading to severe injuries as they fell on rocks. This incident highlighted the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
Demolition of Stalls and Kiosks
On Tuesday, the Lonavla Municipal Council (LMC) and Pune district administration, with police support, demolished decades-old kiosks and stalls set up on railway land near Bhushi Dam. These structures, which had become major crowd-pullers over the years, were seen as obstacles during rescue operations and a reason for prolonged crowd presence at the site.
Surendra Navale, sub-divisional officer (SDO) of Maval and Mulshi, stated, “We have razed 35 such stalls at the site today. They were serving as stumbling blocks for rescuers and the administration as people would sit for long hours there and remain at the spot throughout the day.” This clearance aims to streamline policing efforts and enhance safety.
New Safety Measures
The authorities have introduced several new safety measures:
- Restricted Access to the West Weir: Tourists are no longer allowed to go beyond the west weir of Bhushi Dam to prevent accidents.
- No Parking on Sahara Bridge: Parking on the Sahara bridge is now prohibited to reduce traffic congestion and ensure smooth flow.
- Prohibition of Entry to Upper Waterfalls: Access to the upper portion of three small waterfalls close to the bridge has been restricted.
Traffic Management and Crowd Control
One of the persistent issues at Bhushi Dam has been traffic congestion, particularly near the dam site. Multiple parking lots along the route often lead to traffic snarls, especially during peak tourist season. A senior police officer from Lonavla police station commented, “This is one of the busiest spots in Lonavla, and controlling the crowd here has been challenging for us. Now, the latest action drive will make our job easier.”
