Pune: Tourist Rescued After Slipping Into Fast-Flowing Stream at Kalu Waterfall

Junnar, 12th July 2025: A tourist who got trapped in the strong current at the base of the famous Kalu Waterfall in Khirveshwar (Junnar taluka) was successfully rescued by a group of alert local youths and fellow visitors on Saturday afternoon. The incident highlights once again the growing concerns over safety at the popular yet perilous monsoon tourist spot.

The Kalu Waterfall, known for cascading down in five dramatic stages into a deep valley, attracts hundreds of visitors during the monsoon. According to locals, the tourist—who had brought a group from Pune to visit the waterfall near Hyderabad—slipped while trying to cross the gushing Kalu river near the first stage of the waterfall.

He was swept by the force of the water and got stuck near the edge of the cliff at the bottom of the valley. In the absence of professional rescue personnel or safety infrastructure, it was the quick thinking of fellow tourists that saved his life. Using scarves and dupattas, a makeshift rope was fashioned to pull him to safety.

Local Heroes Step In
The rescuers included Santosh Jadhav, Umesh Raskar, Srikant Abale, and Sandeep Gore from Ahilyanagar district, along with Tushar Memane, Sandeep Sable, and Nilesh Pachpinde, all local residents. “The tourist lost his balance while crossing the river and got carried away by the current. He eventually got stuck near the valley’s edge,” said Tushar Memane, one of the rescuers.

“There was no guide with them. While trying to help, we realized we had no rope. That’s when Vedant Abale, who was with us, quickly tied together scarves and dupattas to create a rope,” said Santosh Jadhav.

The group managed to pull the tourist to safety just in time.
Recurring Safety Lapses
Local residents have once again raised concerns about lack of basic safety measures at Kalu Waterfall. “Tourists often disregard safety rules and try to capture risky selfies and reels at the very edge of the valley,” said one villager. “Incidents of people slipping into the river or falling into the gorge have occurred here before, some resulting in deaths.”

Despite repeated appeals for the administration to install railings or safety barriers, no action has been taken so far. During weekends and holidays in the monsoon season, the number of visitors increases significantly, adding to the risk.

Locals insist that deployment of safety personnel and installation of railings at key points is urgently required. “Visitors must also exercise caution and avoid risking their lives for social media fame,” said another resident.