Selfies trump safeguards

Pune: The death of five persons due to drowning in five different incidents in last ten days at tourist destinations has triggered safety concerns over the spots, which are often visited by people.

Dhaval Vijaybhai Parmar (24), who had come from Mumbai to Lonavla, died due to drowning in Ghubad lake on Thursday. As per Lonavla police, Dhaval had come with friends and was enjoying the waterfall near the lake when he slipped and fell in the lake. He died due to drowning.

Similarly, Sanket Suresh Dalvi (16) and his friends had gone to Khadakwasla lake on Tuesday. Sanket entered the Khadakwasla waters and got washed away by the current. His body was fished out by the fire brigade a day later.

In another incident, Jitendra Ambegaonkar (21), who had gone with his friends to Panshet, drowned in the backwaters. Ambegaonkar’s body was found on Wednesday.

On July 16, Santosh Sonkamble from Solapur died due to drowning after falling from a rock in a pool near Bhushi dam. On July 10, a 23-year-old Army lieutenant, Akhil Choudhary, drowned at Devkund waterfall near Tamhini Ghat.

These incidents reflect the risk involved in visiting these spots and highlights the need to take precautions while venturing into waters.

Speaking on the issue, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) DD Shivthare of Lonavla division said many youths are refusing to follow warning signs, which is causing the problem. “We have placed warning sign boards and deployed heavy police bandobast at risky spots, but what we noticed is that people try to avoid the police and look for lonely spots, which is risky. We are there to help people and guide them for safety,” added Shivthare. The DySP said youths should know the detailed geography of the area so they are aware of risky areas at the picnic spot.

Officials  of the Haveli police station have started putting up fences near Khadakwasla so that people do not enter into the water.

The police said that the area under their jurisdiction is large and so it is not possible for them to man all risky points. “The safety of a person depends on him and we can only help people. We have frequently taken action against people who drink alcohol at tourist spots to keep them safe,” added Shivthare.

Speaking on the recent drowning accidents, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) KB Gawde said people are giving more preference to clicking photos and selfies rather than looking after their safety while going to picnic spots. “People are not equipped with safety gear and then go to such risky places. Moreover, people like flowing water but they should also understand that entering flowing water is risky,” added Gawde. The CFO said that rocks turn loose and slippery in rainy season and so people are bound to slip, leading to accidents.