Bhushi dam overflows; police gear up to handle heavy rush of tourists

Pune: Following the good spell of monsoon over last three days, Bhushi dam, a popular monsoon destination in Lonavla, on Monday started overflowing, attracting tourists from different parts of the district.

The area received 456 mm rainfall over last three days and 51 mm rainfall on Monday. 

As the tourist flow is expected to  increase, Lonavla police said they are prepared to handle the heavy rush. However, unlike every year where police banned entry to the dam by 3 pm, this year the police will take a call on timings based on the traffic situation in the area. 

Speaking to Sakal Times, Police Inspector BR Patil of Lonavla police station said, “Every year we would close down entry to the dam area by 3 or 4 pm. However, going ahead, we will take a call on the timings based on the traffic in the area. We have four points where officials will be deployed for announcements.  We will ask people to leave  when it starts turning dark. We have 70 police staffers to maintain law and order and prevent eve teasing and molestation. Similarly about 30 police friends, 15 traffic wardens, locals from the area and 6 home guard personnel have been deployed. We have placed placards, sign boards and notice boards at different locations. All we want is safety of tourists,” added Patil.

The scenic surroundings in and around Khandala and Lonavla attract tourists from all over the State in the monsoon. The police said action will be taken against people found consuming alcohol in the open as well as against drunken driving. “We have put up barricades and created traffic diversions to handle the rush. Similarly, people involved in haphazard parking and violating traffic rules will have to pay penalty through e-challan,” said Patil

People park their vehicles near Sahara bridge and Lions Point and head towards nearby areas to enjoy the nature. But such parking causes traffic congestion and so appropriate action will be taken against them. “People should take care while going towards waterfalls, dams and hills. We will deploy extra force on weekends,” added Patil.