Pune: Bhushi Dam Overflows After Three Days of Heavy Rain; Lonavala Records 116 mm Rainfall in 24 Hours
Lonavala, 3rd July 2026: The iconic Bhushi Dam has begun overflowing after three consecutive days of heavy rainfall lashed Lonavala and the surrounding Maval region, signalling the arrival of the monsoon in full force. The renewed rains have not only brought relief to residents and farmers after a delayed start to the season but have also revived tourism in one of Maharashtra’s most popular monsoon getaways.
According to the Lonavala Municipal Council’s daily rainfall report, the hill station received 116 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending July 2, taking the cumulative rainfall for the 2026 monsoon season to 702 mm.
Despite the recent spell, rainfall remains well below last year’s levels. On the corresponding day in 2025, Lonavala had recorded 165 mm of rainfall, while the cumulative seasonal rainfall had already reached 2,226 mm. The total rainfall during the 2025 monsoon season stood at 6,307 mm.
The recent downpour has transformed Lonavala into a picturesque monsoon landscape. Verdant hills, mist-covered valleys, overflowing streams, and numerous seasonal waterfalls have once again become the region’s biggest attraction, drawing visitors from Pune, Mumbai, and other parts of Maharashtra.
Bhushi Dam, one of the state’s most popular monsoon tourist destinations, has already started witnessing an increase in visitor footfall as tourists arrive to experience the overflowing dam, cool weather, and scenic surroundings. Other attractions across the region have also come alive with the rains, including Tiger Point, Lion’s Point, Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, Kune Falls, Duke’s Nose, Pawna Lake, and the surrounding valleys, all offering breathtaking views during the monsoon.
The revival of monsoon tourism is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Hotels, resorts, homestays, restaurants, cafés, and roadside eateries are anticipating higher occupancy and increased business over the coming weekends after a relatively slow start to the season caused by below-normal rainfall.
The rainfall has also brought much-needed relief to farmers in Maval taluka. With soil moisture improving and reservoirs receiving fresh inflows, agricultural activities and kharif sowing are expected to gather pace in the coming days.
Safety Advisory for Tourists
Authorities have urged tourists to exercise caution while visiting Bhushi Dam, waterfalls, and other popular viewpoints. Continuous rainfall in the catchment area can lead to sudden rises in water levels, strong currents, and slippery surfaces, posing serious safety risks.
Visitors have been advised not to enter overflowing water, avoid taking selfies or standing on slippery rocks near waterfalls, follow instructions issued by the police and local administration, and cooperate with emergency personnel deployed at major tourist locations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across parts of the Western Ghats over the next few days, indicating that water levels in rivers, dams, and waterfalls are likely to rise further.
With monsoon activity intensifying, Lonavala has once again reclaimed its place as one of Maharashtra’s premier rainy-season destinations. From the overflowing steps of Bhushi Dam and roaring waterfalls to cloud-draped hills, lush green valleys, and cool mountain air, the hill station offers visitors the quintessential monsoon experience.
