Thane: The Thane police has strengthened security at waterfalls, dams and lakes to stop tourists entering the spot that gets crowded on weekends.
The police warned that the lake in Yeoor and dam in Mumbra have a history of people drowning. Secondly, people have started coming out at such spots resulting in overcrowding, without following COVID appropriate behaviour.
According to the Regional disaster management cell of Thane, around eight people have drowned in various lakes and water bodies in Thane city since June 20. The officials claimed that since the lockdown restrictions were eased, many youngsters have started crowding the water bodies during weekends.
However, police have deployed Naka-Bandi and stationed policemen, not allowing people to reach the spot. "We have deployed Naka Bandi at the entrance of Yeoor village. We have baned entry into the forest area. Then too people enter through hidden ways. We will take action if people are found inside", said Sanjay Gaikwad, Senior Police Inspector, Vartak Nagar police station.
The police said apart from deploying officials, they have also put banners at several places asking people not to enter the waterfall. But the forest being spread over a huge area, there are several routes to go to the waterfall.
Madhukar Kad, Senior Police Inspector, Mumbra police station said, "We found that a huge crowd was gathering at the dam near the bypass on a daily basis. However, on weekends there used to be a huge footfall violating the COVID-19 norms and overcrowding at the spot. We deployed a police sub-inspector and two constables at the spot. No tourists are allowed to enter the place for whatever reason", added Kad.
A local from Mumbra claims Mumbra has hardly few gardens or places for entertainment. So on weekends people prefer going to the dam for enjoyment. "Even if the police keep strict vigilance at the spot, people do not listen. For a week or so the situation will be under control, but later on it goes back to being overcrowded", added the local from Mumbra.
