A daring seven-hour rescue operation saved 300 trekkers stranded by sudden flooding in Malshej Ghat’s Kalu River. Local villagers and forest officials worked together to bring everyone to safety amidst heavy rainfall.
Pune| 28 July, 2025: On a rainy Saturday in Malshej Ghat, a group of 300 trekkers, including around 100 women from cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, found themselves trapped by a swollen Kalu River. Torrential rains, dumping nearly 200 mm in just three hours, transformed the scenic trekking spot near the Thane-Pune border into a dangerous flood zone. The group, unprepared for the rapid weather shift, was stranded in a dense forest area, prompting a swift response from local authorities and villagers.
The rescue began around 3 PM after distress calls reached the state disaster management team. Forest officials from Thane and Junnar, supported by brave local volunteers, braved treacherous conditions to reach the trekkers. A young villager from Moroshi swam across turbulent waters to set up a makeshift zipline, anchoring ropes to trees to create a lifeline for the stranded group. One by one, the trekkers were guided to safety, with women prioritized in the operation that stretched until 10 PM. The teamwork between locals and officials turned a potential tragedy into a story of courage and community.
The incident highlights the risks of trekking in Malshej Ghat during the monsoon. The Kalu River, fed by one of the region’s tallest waterfalls at 1,200 feet, can swell rapidly, catching even experienced trekkers off guard. Many visitors, drawn by viral social media videos showcasing the area’s beauty, venture into restricted forest zones without local guides or weather checks. These areas, home to leopards and venomous snakes, become especially hazardous during heavy rains. The lack of safety awareness has led to repeated incidents, including fatalities, in this popular monsoon destination.
Local residents are now calling for stricter safety measures. They urge authorities to implement entry controls and awareness campaigns to educate tourists about the dangers of the terrain. The allure of Kalu Waterfall, located in Khireshwar village, draws crowds from across Maharashtra and beyond, but its unpredictable nature demands respect. Forest officials echo this sentiment, advising against trekking in reserved forest zones during the monsoon and encouraging coordination with local guides for safer adventures.
This rescue is a testament to human resilience and community spirit, but it also serves as a wake-up call. As Maharashtra’s natural wonders continue to captivate, ensuring visitor safety through better regulations and education is crucial to prevent future scares.
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