Satara’s Kelavali waterfall closed to tourists after drowning accident

Rushikesh Kamble, a youth from Karad taluka in Satara district, drowned at the Kelavali waterfall on June 30. Kamble and his friends were visiting the waterfall, located about 30 km from Satara city, during a monsoon outing. He could not resist the urge to swim and entered the water but tragically drowned and was swept away. Despite sustained search efforts by police, villagers, Shivendraraje trekkers and Mahabaleshwar trekkers, his body has not been found yet. The search has now extended to the Urmodi dam through which the water of the waterfall flows.

After this tragic incident, the Kelavali waterfall was closed to tourists. The decision was taken by the villagers and the Satara Rural Police as a precautionary measure to prevent similar incidents during the monsoon season. Villagers reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to control the tourists as they sometimes enter the water while drunk. Police have also been posted to keep the tourists away from the waterfall.

The Kelavali Waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making it a popular tourist destination during the monsoon season. However, to reach the waterfall, one has to trek along a forest trail of about 1.5 kilometers. The trail is of moderate difficulty and visitors need to be careful while walking on the slippery rocks and uneven terrain.

Meanwhile, the administration has also imposed bans at several popular picnic spots in Pune district. The order prohibits gatherings of five or more people, prohibits individuals from entering deep water bodies and prohibits taking selfies and making videos at these places. The bans have been enforced at certain places including Bhushi Dam, Bendewadi and Dahuli waterfalls in Maval tehsil, and Tiger Point, Lion’s Point and Rajmachi Point in Khandala, Sahara Bridge, Pavana Dam area, Tata Dam and Ghubad Lake. In Mulshi tehsil, the orders are applicable at Mulshi Dam, Tamhini Ghat forest area and Milkybar waterfall.

This move comes after a recent incident in which a woman and four children were swept away by a waterfall near Bhushi Dam.

Published on: Monday, 08 July 2024, 13:01 IST