Aanvi was very friendly. We took her help while planning holidays: Neighbours

Neighbours of influencer Aanvi Kamdar the travel influencer who died after falling into a gorge while shooting a video near the Kumbhe waterfalls in Mangaon Raigad on Wednesday told midday they were shocked by her untimely passingKamdar resided at Parshwanath Gardens on Bhau Daji Road in Matunga EastA neighbour said ldquoThe bereaved family moved to our society one and a half years ago The family is grieving at home Aanvi was very friendly with everyone on our floor She told us that she was a CA and social media influencer Many celebrities were following herrdquoAnother society member said ldquoWe liked her reels because they were beneficial for common people especially travel enthusiasts She used to make reels on restaurants hotels and affordable travel We often took her help while planning holidaysrdquo Another neighbour said ldquoWe received the news of her death from television news A few months ago her reels went viral on social media and all society members came to know that she was an influencer She was residing with her mother We are all in shock after hearing about her deathrdquoAnother resident said ldquoShe had hired a guide and was with her friends at the time of the accident Many people spread rumours that she fell into the gorge while making a reel but we believe this information is falserdquo The Superintendent of Police Raigad Somnath Gharge had told the media that Kamdar was alive after falling into the gorge and was rescued However during the treatment she passed away ldquoWhile descending to rescue the woman from the gorge there were big stones falling on us At first it seemed like she was not alive However after going closer she was breathing which confirmed that she was alive She was immediately taken to the hospital However she died during the treatmentrdquo Gharge had saidThe rescue operation was started after taking stock of the situation Earlier on June 30 around 1230 pm a family of five died after drowning in a waterfall near the Bhushi Dam in Punersquos LonavalaAlways trek with a local guideIt is heartbreaking to come across several accidents happening in the Sahyadris during the monsoon The region is mesmerising however it also becomes dangerous due to slippery terrain and flash floods I see a lot of inexperienced youngsters joining inexperienced groups on difficult treks As per a recent circular all adventure companies need to obtain a certificate from the Directorate of Tourism under the Adventure Tourism Policy Even if yoursquore heading out on a casual trek I urge you to always take a local guide from a nearby village with you These locals are aware of the tricky terrain en route and can provide guidance as and when you need it Additionally please take reports seriously and donrsquot compromise on proper trekking gearTreks need expert supervisionNinetyeight per cent of the time people who lose their lives on treks go on the adventure without a guide When you go with just your friends there is a high chance that you will end up being negligent of certain aspects that a guide would keep you in check for You need a supervisor to keep you in control in situations when losing your life can be one wrong step away And this is not just applicable for inexperienced people Expert trekkers also tend to take guides along with them when they go with friends Another issue that is on a rise is that for quick money many accounts are popping up on social media organising treks for lesser money than an expert would take Naturally people fall for it and end up going with someone who has no experience Please do a thorough check when you select a guide or trekking group Keep an eye out for heavy discounts especially if these socalled trekking groups take 100 to 200 people togetheron treksTreks need expert supervisionNinetyeight per cent of the time people who lose their lives on treks go on the adventure without a guide When you go with just your friends there is a high chance that you will end up being negligent of certain aspects that a guide would keep you in check for You need a supervisor to keep you in control in situations when losing your life can be one wrong step away And this is not just applicable for inexperienced people Expert trekkers also tend to take guides along with them when they go with friends Another issue that is on a rise is that for quick money many accounts are popping up on social media organising treks for lesser money than an expert would take Naturally people fall for it and end up going with someone who has no experience Please do a thorough check when you select a guide or trekking group Keep an eye out for heavy discounts especially if these socalled trekking groups take 100 to 200 people together on treks