Pune: Two Youths Drown at Bhushi Dam in Lonavala During a Picnic on Sunday
Pune, June 08, 2025: A weekend picnic turned tragic when two young men drowned at Bhushi Dam in Lonavala on Sunday (June 8, 2025). The victims, identified as M. Jamal and Sahil Ashraf Ali Shaikh, both natives of Uttar Pradesh working in Pimpri-Chinchwad as AC technicians, were swept away by strong water currents after venturing into a restricted area where the safety fence was broken.
According to officials, the duo had gone for a picnic with eight friends and ignored warnings by crossing the damaged barrier. Unable to gauge the water depth and current, they were tragically trapped and drowned. The Lonavala Police and Shivdurga Rescue Team recovered the bodies, which were later sent for post-mortem.
The incident has reignited concerns over tourist safety at monsoon-prone spots, with locals alleging long-neglected repairs to the dam’s fencing. Bhushi Dam, a popular attraction, lacks adequate safety measures despite repeated complaints. Authorities face mounting pressure to enforce stricter precautions to prevent future tragedies.
