Safety Measures At Vaitarna Dam After Fatalties

5th of June, 2024,

Mufaddal Hararwala’s friends,

Mumbai (Pan India)  

To, Respected Tehsildar,

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.  

Cc:Authorities of Vaitarna Dam.

Subject: Steps for improvement of safety standards at Vaitarna Dam,Palghar-Nashik district.  

Respected Sir/Madam, Greetings of the day.

  We are writing to you today with a heavy heart and a pressing concern regarding the safety protocols in place at the VaitarnaDam. It is with profound sorrow that we must inform you of the tragic loss of our dear friend, Mufaddal Hararwala,on the 26th of May 2024.   Mufaddal, affectionately known as Muffy to the entire running and trekking community, was floating in water less than knee-deep near Vavi Harsha Village Waterfall when the dam unexpectedly opened ( no warning), causing the water levels to rise dramatically and sweep him away. Despite two days of searching, his body was recovered on the 28th of May at 7:30 am by the scuba diving retrieval team. We quickly discovered that numerous other fatalities have occurred at regular intervals in and around the location, particularly at the Vaitarna Dam Site.  

His life was claimed by the hazardous conditions present at this site, while sitting unsuspectedly in a leisurely manner close to the shore when the water-level rose suddenly and the current swept him away within seconds,as witnessed by eye-witnesses present on-site at the said location and who tried to rescue him to no avail,leading to the loss of his life and irreparable loss to a young family . Apart from this, you are well aware of the tragic loss of several lives at this location.  

It has come to our attention that swimming activities are still being allowed at the Vaitarna Dam despite the inherent dangers associated with such activities in this location. The apathy of the authorities at this perilous location has been reported in several newspapers and by concerned citizens.  

The swift currents, underwater obstacles, and unpredictable water levels make it an unsuitable and perilous area for swimming.   Unfortunately, the lack of adequate signage indicating the risks involved exacerbates this danger. Considering the accidents, injuries, and so many fatalities, we strongly urge you to take immediate action to prohibit swimming at the Vaitarna Dam.   T

he steps we suggest are as follows:  

1.   It is imperative that prominent signboards are installed at strategic locations around the site, clearly indicating the hazardous nature of the area and warning against swimming or any other recreational activities therein. These signboards should prominently display the message "Danger Zone" to effectively communicate the risks to visitors.  

2.   Installation of Siren for denoting when water-level of Dam is increasing to provide auditory inputs to tourists to head out of the water asap.    

3.   A security personnel/lifeguard to help with emergency measures.  

4.   An emergency/panic button or network coverage to alert authorities and prevent mishaps.  

By implementing these measures, we can mitigate the risk of accidents and protect the safety and well-being of all individuals who visit the Vaitarna Dam area. Furthermore, it will demonstrate the commitment of the authorities to prioritize public safety and ensure responsible management of this natural resource.   We trust that you will give this matter the serious consideration it deserves and take prompt action to address the concerns raised.

Your proactive steps in this regard will undoubtedly contribute to preserving life and preventing avoidable accidents.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We look forward to receiving your response and learning about the actions taken to address the concerns outlined herein.   PS. - Muffadal, aged 48, leaves behind his teenage daughter, a younger sister and elderly parents.   Sincerely, Mufaddal’s Family N Friends from all over the Country.  

Contact person:

Sanober Khan - 9967653480.   

Manisha Rukhana-9820256162