Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Tourists Risk Lives at Banned Navi Mumbai Waterfalls
Tourists in Navi Mumbai are risking their lives by visiting waterfalls and hilly areas that are banned during the monsoon season.
Despite police and forest department restrictions, people are using dangerous, unmarked trails to reach these places.
Authorities blame social media for encouraging this reckless behavior, as influencers post videos of 'secret' spots.
This has led to many accidents and deaths over the years.
The police find it hard to stop people because the area is very large, and many tourists also litter and dump plastic waste.
Authorities are asking people to follow the rules and stay safe.
Tourists are risking their lives by visiting banned waterfalls and hilly areas in Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Uran despite strict restrictions.
Authorities have prohibited entry to key spots like Digha, Gavli Dev Hill, Belapur, Kharghar, Taloja, Adai, Karnala, and Uran due to monsoon-related mishaps.
Social media and incorrect Google Maps tagging are blamed for encouraging reckless tourism and leading people to dangerous locations.
Rescue operations are difficult due to remote locations with little or no mobile network coverage, delaying emergency response.
Over 30 deaths have been reported at Pandavkada Waterfall in Kharghar since 2010, with recent incidents in 2023 at Devkund Waterfall and Jasai Lake.
- Who
- Tourists and authorities in Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Uran
- What
- Tourists risking lives by visiting banned waterfalls and hilly areas
- When
- During the monsoon season, with recent incidents in 2023
- Where
- Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Uran, specifically at Digha, Gavli Dev Hill, Belapur, Kharghar, Taloja, Adai, Karnala, and Uran
- Why
- Due to the lure of social media fame, 'secret waterfall' locations, and incorrect Google Maps tagging
- Location
- Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Uran
- Prohibited Areas
- Digha, Gavli Dev Hill, Belapur, Kharghar, Taloja, Adai, Karnala, and Uran
- Fatalities at Pandavkada Waterfall
- Over 30 deaths since 2010
- Recent Incidents
- Two tourists drowned at Devkund Waterfall in 2023
- Challenges
- Vast hilly terrain, social media influence, incorrect Google Maps tagging
- Concerns
- Trespassing, littering, and plastic waste dumping
- Authorities' Appeal
- Cooperate with authorities and avoid prohibited areas during monsoon