Unfortunate Incident at Bhushi Dam Waterfall in Lonavala

Tragic Incident: On June 30, 2024, a family outing at a waterfall near the Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, Maharashtra, took a tragic turn when five members of the family were swept away by the strong currents.

Victims Identified: The deceased included a 36-year-old woman, Shahista Liaqat Ansari, and her two daughters, Amima Adil Ansari (13) and Umera Adil Ansari (8). Two other children from the family, Adnan Sabhahat Ansari (4) and Mariya Ansari (9), went missing.

Search and Rescue: Rescue operations involving police, Navy divers, and other teams were immediately launched. The bodies of Shahista, Amima, and Umera were recovered on Sunday, while Mariya's body was found on Monday. The search for Adnan is still ongoing.

Cause of Tragedy: The sudden increase in water flow due to heavy rainfall in the area is believed to be the primary cause of the incident.

Safety Warnings Ignored: Local authorities and police had issued warnings against venturing into waterfalls and rivers during the monsoon season due to the increased water flow and unpredictable currents. However, the family reportedly disregarded these warnings.

Picnic Spot Popularity: The Bhushi Dam and surrounding areas are popular picnic spots, especially during the monsoon season. However, the lack of proper safety measures and signage highlighting potential risks has been a concern.

Calls for Enhanced Safety: The incident has sparked renewed calls for enhanced safety measures at popular monsoon picnic spots, including increased signage, lifeguards, and stricter enforcement of warnings.

Community Grief: The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many expressing condolences to the bereaved family and highlighting the importance of adhering to safety warnings during the monsoon season.