MTDC Removes Kumbhe Waterfall Promo Reel Following Safety Complaint in Raigad
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has archived a promotional Instagram Reel featuring the Kumbhe Waterfall in Raigad following a formal complaint that the video promoted a hazardous and restricted area without safety warnings.
The action comes nearly two years after social media influencer Avani Kamdar died after a fatal fall at the scenic site.
The complaint was filed by wildlife researcher Anand Mohite, who addressed his concerns to the Managing Director of the MTDC and the Raigad Superintendent of Police.
Mohite alleged that the promotional Reel prominently featured the dangerous rock pinnacle near Kumbhe Waterfall where Kamdar lost her life. He argued that publishing such promotional content could encourage tourists to venture into unsafe zones.
Furthermore, Mohite accused the administrators of the MTDC Instagram page of deleting warning comments posted by citizens and rescue volunteers who were trying to alert potential visitors about the dangers of the site.
Responding to the complaint, the Directorate of Tourism clarified that the promotional video was intended solely to showcase the scenic beauty and tourism potential of the Kumbhe Waterfall. The department stated it did not intend to encourage adventure activities or unauthorized access to restricted areas.
The Directorate of Tourism confirmed that the Reel has been archived in accordance with its standard operating procedures. The department also committed to including prominent safety advisories in all of its future social media posts.
Despite the removal of the video, Mohite maintained that promoting hazardous locations without clear risk warnings is irresponsible. He emphasized that tourist safety must always take precedence over tourism promotion.
In his official complaint, Mohite has requested an inquiry into the alleged deletion of public awareness comments on the post. He has also urged authorities to issue an official advisory warning tourists against accessing the dangerous rock pinnacle, establish a safety clearance mechanism with local authorities before promoting hazardous sites, and fix accountability for any future accidents.
