Viral Video: This is the dramatic incident that has once again underlined dangers of taking selfies and reckless tourism in Satara, a district pummeled by heavy rains. One young lady named Rupali Deshmukh tumbled into a deep gorge while taking a selfie at Born Ghat on Toseghar Road. The incident not only underlines the perils due to such activities as far as personal risk is concerned but also the general laxity of tourists entering restricted areas.
Selfie Leads to Harrowing Fall
Rupali Deshmukh, 29, from Mani, had gone out for a monsoon picnic at Sajjangarh in Unghar with friends. While getting pictures clicked on a rock outcropping at Born Ghat, Rupali lost balance and fell approximately 50-60 ft into the depth of the valley. Miraculously, she came out alive, all because of the prompt and daredevil efforts taken by local responders.
Having informed the Toseghar Forest Committee members and home guards, including Praveen Chavan, Prathamesh Jankar, Pratik Kakde, and Ramchandra Chavan, they responded very quickly to the site. It was an incredible risk taken by home guard Avinash Mandve, who went down the ravine with the help of a rope to rescue Rupali. His heroic efforts meant that she was safely brought back to the surface and later admitted to a private hospital for medical treatment.
Tourists Risk Lives Despite Hazardous Weather Restrictions
This incident has happened despite an existing ban on tourist visits to this area because of hazardous weather conditions. This area, famous for its waterfalls and overall beauty, has been out of bounds to tourists, yet many continue to flout this and risk their lives in the process.
The carelessness that tourists portray, more so towards safety measures, is quickly turning out to be a concern to the local authorities. Since such dangers are going to continue and are on the rise, in the future, there is bound to be strict enforcement of regulations coupled with intense awareness campaigns to avert such dangers.
