Pimpri: 11 deaths in two years in Pavana dam area

Pimpri: Two persons died after a boat capsized in the Pavana dam area in Maval taluka last week. Many tourists enter the dam water to frolic. However, they cannot guess the depth of water and drown. Some enjoy a boat ride but its owner fails to take safety measures. In any event, tourists are put at risk.

As many as 11 tourists died in the Pavana dam area during 2022-2024. These incidents were registered at the Lonavala Rural Police Station. Five non-motorised boats operate in the backwaters of the dam. However, around 20 motor boats and 70 manually operated boats are operated illegally in the dam area. The Water Resources Department does not take action, which is intriguing.

Maval-based Vanya Jeev Rakshak Founder Nilesh Garade said, “Tourists flock to the dam area from December. Illegal boating is thriving in the area and they do not take safety measures. This leads to deaths. Boat owners should provide all facilities to tourists and run their clubs, otherwise they should close them.”

Bungalows on encroached land

Many rich people have built bungalows and farm houses on encroached land along the backwater of the dam. Some visit these places once a month or once a year. For the remaining period, they are rented out on a monthly basis. It is puzzling that no government agency has any record about such accommodations. These properties are rented out to tourists without informing the police.

Police act after incidents

Tourists prefer to stay in the farm houses and bungalows along the backwater. Illegal substances such as liquor, gutkha, drugs, etc, are sold openly. The police pretend action only after an untoward incident happens.

Duty of life guards

There are 22 lifeguards in the dam area. The water resources Department hired new guards last year. However, illegal businesses flourish under their nose.