Pune: Bhushi Dam Vendors’ Shops Demolished After Drowning Incident
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Lonavala, 2nd July 2024: Five tourists were swept away due to overflowing water near Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, Pune District. While this incident has nothing to do with the small traders selling Tea, Vada Pav, Sweet Corn, and Pakodas on both sides of the steps of Bhushi Dam, the Indian Railway Administration, with the help of the Lonavala Municipal Council, took joint action today. Shops and small businesses were razed by JCB machines without any forethought.
Since the area is owned by Indian Railways, the railway administration and the Lonavala Municipal Council conducted this action with a large police force, angering local citizens and businessmen. “This action has brought hundreds of families to the brink of losing their livelihoods, causing a major outcry. These businessmen have been operating in the Bhushi Dam area for many years, primarily during the four months of the rainy season. Their annual financial planning depends on this business”, a vendor said.
After the Bhushi Dam overflowed on Sunday (30th June), the locals were happy, hoping for an uninterrupted business season. However, their hopes were shattered when news broke that five people had been washed away by a waterfall behind the dam.
While the responsibility for the incident is still unclear, many believe that today’s encroachment action was inappropriate. These traders not only provide refreshments to tourists but also look out for their safety. They are often the first to respond in case of an accident and advise tourists not to venture to the upper part of the dam. Despite the influx of thousands of tourists to Bhushi Dam every year, the administration has not taken adequate safety measures or ensured a sufficient police presence. Instead, local businessmen have played the role of volunteers.
Bhushi Dam, owned by Central Railway, has steps and side areas also owned by the railways. With the help of the Lonavala Municipal Council, a large number of JCB machines, personnel, and police forces were deployed for anti-encroachment action.
