Taking into account the current weather conditions and India Meteorological Department (IMD) predictions, the authorities have shut down popular beaches and other tourist destinations across the city. However, citizens are identifying and flocking to other ‘hidden’ spots for adventure, which has resulted in injuries and the 
loss of lives.

Vasai’s Chinchoti waterfall claimed three lives in 24 hours. In two separate incidents, three teenagers were reported to have drowned in the water body. The district collector had issued an order warning tourists not to enter the water, but people have been turning a blind eye. 

Ravi Jha and Raushan Rathod. Pic/Hanif Patel

Speaking to mid-day, Saurabh Prasad, 20, an eyewitness to one of the drowning incidents, said, “Five of my friends and I visited the Chinchoti waterfall on Thursday since our college had a holiday. We had decided not to venture into the water, but one of the boys climbed up the slope and ventured into the water. Seeing him sink into the water, the other attempted to save him, but both disappeared.”

According to the police, Raushan Rathod, 18, and Ravi Jha, 19, disappeared soon after entering the water. After the boys informed the police, they were swift to begin a search and rescue operation. Their bodies were recovered on Friday and sent for a post-mortem. 

In a similar instance, on July 13, a group of five people entered the water for a swim but 18-year-old Sumit Yadav suddenly disappeared and was reported to be drowned. His body was recovered on Friday.

According to senior police inspector Ramesh Bhame, the Shrungareshwar temple is a major tourist attraction in Nallaspoara. “There are several small waterfalls such as Chinchoti along the river that ends at Virar. We have banned entry to all waterfalls but people end up reaching them via one of the many routes. Boards have also been displayed but no one bothers to read them. We will soon take stricter action against those entering the water,” he said, adding that Chinchoti is an accident-prone zone and many such incidents have been reported.

July 14
Day the bodies were fished out

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