80 Tourists From Mumbai Rescued From Overflowing Zenith Waterfall In Khopoli
On Saturday, approximately 80 tourists from Mumbai Central, Chembur, and Ghatkopar were safely rescued after becoming stranded at Zenith Waterfall in Khopoli. The tourists were trapped when sudden heavy rainfall caused the waterfall to overflow, cutting off their return routes.
The rescue operation, which lasted nearly three hours, was a joint effort between the Khopoli Fire Brigade, local police, and residents and volunteers from Vihari-Thakurwadi. No casualties were reported during the incident.
The tourists had originally entered the waterfall area at around 7:00 AM on Saturday, when the weather was clear and there was no rainfall. However, heavy rains began around 10:00 AM, causing the water levels to rise rapidly in the area.
According to officials, the stranded visitors were trapped at two different locations. One group of tourists was stuck nearly 500 metres inside the waterfall area, while the second group was trapped about one kilometre away from the entrance.
A joint rescue operation was launched at around noon. Rescuers worked in fast-flowing waters to reach the stranded groups. By 3:00 PM, all 80 tourists had been successfully brought to safety.
Khopoli Fire Officer Mohan More explained that the tourists had gone inside early in the morning when the weather appeared normal. He stated that once the heavy rain started, the water level rose quickly, making it impossible for them to return on their own. He credited his team and the local villagers for the successful evacuation.
Several local volunteers risked their lives in the swollen stream to assist with the rescue. Key individuals involved in the effort included Narayan Nirgude, Bhagwan Nirgude, Akshay Jadhav, Kumar Dhumne, Raj Dhumne, Police Patil Vasant Polekar, Narayan Bhagat, Sachin Bhagat, and Pawan Nirgude.
Following the rescue, authorities issued an appeal warning tourists to avoid visiting waterfalls and other vulnerable locations during the monsoon season. They cautioned that water levels can rise suddenly, even if the weather conditions appear normal at the time of entry.
