Pune: A 28-year-old tourist, Sagar Kailas Sathe, drowned at Pavana Dam in Maval Taluka, Pune, while visiting the area with his foreign friends. The incident occurred on Sunday (July 21) morning when Sagar and his friends entered the dam's waters for a swim.
Despite rescue efforts by friends and a local military personnel, Sagar was declared dead at the hospital. The Lonavala Rural Police have registered a case against the tent operator responsible for the camping site.
According to police information, Sagar Sathe and his foreign friends, Stephen John, Swapnil Kumar Gaikwad, and Giduthuri Ronald Van (Sydney), arrived at the camping site near Pavana Dam on Saturday (July 20) night.
On Sunday morning, around 9:15 AM, they all entered the dam's waters for a swim. While swimming, Sagar misjudged the depth and started drowning. Nearby residents, upon seeing this, raised an alarm.
Sagar's friends and Navnath Karanjule from the military camp pulled him out of the water, administered CPR, and rushed him to the Rural Hospital in Kale-Kolni.
However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. Further investigation is ongoing by the Lonavala Rural Police.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of tourists ignoring safety warnings at popular spots like Pavana Dam. Maval Taluka, known for its picturesque landscapes and monsoon tourism, has seen a surge in visitors. However, incidents like this underline the need for stricter adherence to safety measures.
Despite warnings, many tourists enter the water, leading to avoidable accidents and fatalities. Authorities continue to urge tourists to heed safety instructions to prevent such tragedies.
