Police company for picnickers

Cops go in for additional deployment to check accidents in Lonavala in rains

The rural police have stepped up their patrolling at popular picnic spots like Lonavala, Khandala, Khadakwasla, Panshet and Sinhagad to avoid accidents during rains.

With two deaths already reported at Bhushi dam this year, Lonavala police have decided to deploy 80 policemen at various locations near the dam. The police have also made arrangements for boats and life jackets to avoid incidents of drowning.

The Lonavala police already have 30 policemen and have now asked for 50 additional policemen, including three officers, to ensure that weekends are peaceful atu00a0 the twin picnic destinations of Lonavala and Khandala. Top police officials said the additional workforce will continue till August 16.

According to the Lonavala police, two steep slopes leading to deep waters in Bhushi dam increase the risk of drowning. A 14-year-old from Vishrantwadi drowned in the dam on Sunday.u00a0

"Manik and his two friends were swimming in the dam. The other two were rescued but Manik died," said an official from the Lonavala police. "There is not much water in the dam. The boy got entangled in the mud and died." In a similar incident, another boy drowned in the dam on May 17.

Special checks
The Lonavala police have also established two special squads to check all the incoming vehicles in the city and have warned of stringent action against drunk drivers. Each squad will consist of one sub inspector and five policemen to keep a check on tourists who create a ruckus. Lonavala city police said, "Two breath analysers have been kept ready to nab drunk drivers who create a nuisance."

Parking problem
With the unavailability of parking lots in Lonavala, traffic jams have become a major issue, typically on weekends, when over a lakh tourists visit Lonavala and Khandala, said the police.

Apart from Lonavala and Khandala, Haveli police have asked for 10 more policemen to control the crowd in Khadakwasla and Sinhagad.

"We conduct regular checks at Dharan chowk near Khadakwasla dam. To curb drink-driving, we have asked for breath analysers," said PI Satish Patil of Haveli police station. "Parking at Sinhagad is very limited and results into long queues. Upward movement of vehicles is controlled to smoothen traffic."