PIMPRI: A large number of tourists flocked to the Bhushi Dam, a favourite tourist destination during the monsoon in Lonavala, on Saturday. The dam started overflowing due to heavy rainfall in the hilly areas that brings water to the dam. However, the Lonavla police diktat not allowing tourists to sit on the steps of the dam left thousands disappointed. Many people were forced to return home without enjoying the overflowing water. Thus, their weekend was spoilt.

The police took the decision for safety reasons without giving any prior notice. Unaware of the decision, a large number of people were flocking to the dam site. Some people were lucky as they came to know about the diktat when they were on the way. Hence, they rescheduled their plan and headed toward other popular tourist destinations such as Lohgad fort, Ekvira Bhaje caves, etc. 

Thousands of tourists from Mumbai and Pune visit Lonavla during the monsoon every year. Their number has been increasing manifold in recent years. Therefore, managing the crowds has become a difficult task for the police. Overcrowding at the tourist destination is causing accidents. So, the police started putting restrictions on the movement of tourists. All major roads in Lonavla and Khandala witnessed massive traffic jams during these days.

The police restricted entry at many places, besides imposing one-way traffic at many places to regulate traffic. 

The police decided to close all roads leading to the dam after 3 pm. They also asked tourists to leave the dam after 5 pm. However, on Saturday, tourists were stopped from going toward the Bhushi dam for the first time. According to the police, the diktat will be in force till the overflowing water reduces.