Lonavla police step up vigil for monsoon rush

Cops to deploy special squads to keep out drunk tourists from Lonavla and Khandala; NGOs to put rescue teams and equipment on standby to prevent drowning incidents

Lonavla police step up vigil for monsoon rush

Cops to deploy special squads to keep out drunk tourists from Lonavla and Khandala; NGOs to put rescue teams and equipment on standby to prevent drowning incidents

Theu00a0Lonavla police will be extra careful this monsoon. And assisting them in this endeavour will be NGOs, who will not only make sure tourists adhere to traffic rules, but also warn them of any danger lurking in the hillocks, dam and abutting areas. The emphasis would be on curbing drink-driving and prevention of drownings in the Bhushi dam. Every year the population in Lonavla and Khandala swells to almost triple the strength, as droves from the city pour in to imbibe the monsoon splendour.u00a0The Lonavla police have established a special squad to discipline traffic in the town and warned tourists that violating the rules would attract stringent action. Police bandobast will be especially increased from July 1 to August 15, which is the peak tourist season.u00a0

It's raining tourists: The Bhushi dam overflowed yesterday, giving
visitors a chance to enjoy the season with a dip in the waters

"Seven officers and 75 constables have been deployed to maintain discipline and guide tourists. Gradually, nine sub-inspectors and higher-ranked officials in addition to 145 constables will be deployed in the crowded areaa of the hill-stations," said the Police Inspector Vishnu Pawar.

The roads of Lonavla were full as the hill station saw two lakh tourists
this weekend. Pics/Vishal Suresh

The road map
The police squads deployed at Kumar Chowk, the city entry point on the old Pune-Mumbai highway, would check tourists for alcohol ingestion. Those found guilty would be punished under the Bombay Police Act and the Motor Vehicle Act, a police source said. This, in turn, would indirectly curb incidents of drowning in the Bhushi dam, the police said.u00a0 The police have also barred entry of heavy vehicles in the town. "Vehicles retreating from the Bhushi dam will not be allowed to enter the city," Police Inspector Pawar said. "These vehicles will be diverted from Raiwood to the old Khandala route. The routes where maximum crowding takes place are the one-way routes, the police said.

"We have kept a boat ready on the banks of Bhushi Dam to help victims who are saved from drowning get quick first aid," said Ajay Raut of Shiv Durg Mitra, an NGO active in rescuing tourists. Our volunteers are all set to assist tourists who often lose their way, while attempting to explore several places in the hilly regions around Lonavla and Khandala.

Warning signs
> NGOs to install boards near Bhushi dam informing tourists about past drowning deaths
> The boards also warn tourists against entering the dam in an inebriated condition
> NGOs to keep 50 lifeguards near Bhushi dam to avoid drowning incidents
> Bhushi Dam, Lion's point, Shooting Point, Ghubad Lake, Amritanjan Point, Rajmachi Point, Pavna Dam and Dhudhiwarar Khind are the main tourist hotspots