However, these rivers had claimed the lives of around 13 tourists in the last year. Most of those tourists were under the influence of alcohol. Most picnic spots along the river lack safety measures as they usually in isolated places. Drunks who venture too far into the water inevitably drown.
Some of the popular spots along Sattari’s rivers include: Mhovacho Guno and Bhirondfa Father Farm at Madei River; Velus Wada, Massorde Devane, Navodaya at Velus River; and Parye Bandjhara junction and Keri support dam at Valvanti river.
These deaths have damaged Sattari’s image, but the government and local panchayats do not seem to be aware of it.
When contacted, Police Inspector Sanjay Dalvi said, “We are trying our best to monitor some spots, but it is not possible to keep patrolling for the whole day. It is also part of the social responsibility of locals to monitor such activities in their localities.”
Social worker and youth leader Prashant Desai said, “Sattari should come out as an eco-tourism destination, which will boost the development in rural villages. However, it should also not hamper us. For the last two years, tourist spots in Sattari have turned into garbage hubs. The government should take measures to solve this problem.”
