Navi Mumbai: A 25-year-old man who had ventured to Pandavkada waterfall in Kharghar for some monsoon-time fun on Friday was left stranded in an overflowing stream due to incessant rains. The man, identified as Vikas Khande, a resident of Kharghar, was rescued by the Kharghar fire brigade team in a swift and coordinated operation.
According to Fire Officer Pravin Bodkhe, the fire brigade team had initially received a call around 11:30 am about trees that had fallen on the pathway near the Kharghar hills, close to the Fanasvadi Adivasi hamlet, following continuous heavy rainfall since the morning. A Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) team was immediately dispatched to clear the route blocked by five uprooted trees.
While clearing the debris, the team received another alert around 12 noon about a man stuck in a rapidly swelling stormwater stream near the popular Pandavkada waterfall, a hotspot for visitors during the monsoon season. Upon reaching the location, fire personnel found Khande trapped in the stream, unable to return due to the force of the water.
Using ropes and safety equipment, the fire brigade managed to pull him out to safety, averting what could have been a tragic incident.
Authorities have once again urged citizens to avoid venturing near waterfalls and hilly streams during the monsoon, given the unpredictable and dangerous nature of water flow during heavy rain.
