Even after the alerts given by IMD (India Meteorological Department) and warnings issued by the Forest Department amidst frequent mishaps in the ghat regions surrounding Pune, people continue to flock to difficult routes and venture deep inside waterfalls. Now, in a recent incident, 40 to 50 tourists were trapped near the flooded Kalu Waterfall in the Malshej Ghat area on Saturday evening.
For the past few days, the Malshej Ghat region has been experiencing intense rainfall, leading to a sudden rise in the water level of the Kalu River, a popular monsoon tourist spot. The sudden surge caught several visitors off guard, leaving them stranded near the waterfall.
According to local authorities, the tourists were visiting the site for a weekend outing when the river began to overflow due to heavy rains in the upper catchment areas. Panic spread among the visitors as the water level rose rapidly, cutting off their route back to safety.
Fortunately, a swift response from the police administration, local rescue teams, and forest officials ensured that all stranded individuals were safely evacuated without any casualties. The rescue operation lasted for several hours and was carried out in challenging conditions due to slippery terrain and continued rainfall.
Locals appeal tourists
Local officials once again urged citizens to avoid venturing into risky areas during the monsoon, especially in regions prone to flash floods and landslides. Despite repeated warnings, the influx of tourists to Malshej Ghat and other such areas remains high during weekends.
Authorities have reiterated that all visitors must heed IMD advisories, comply with Forest Department safety guidelines, and avoid entering prohibited or hazardous zones, especially near rivers and waterfalls during the monsoon season.
The incident serves as yet another reminder of the potential dangers that come with monsoon tourism in the Western Ghats and the need for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness to prevent such near-tragedies in the future.
