It is very regrettable that initial reports indicate that some tourists have been swept away and injured in the collapse of a dilapidated pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River near Kundmala in Maval.

The rescue operation is underway by the tourists present, local villagers, police and NDRF, and I pray that many people will be saved and that the injured will receive proper treatment.

I pay my heartfelt tributes to those who have unfortunately died in this accident and express my condolences to their families.

The riverbed is wide, there are potholes in the rocky areas, and the usual rapid flow is less visible in the current scenes. Therefore, although a major accident has been averted, it is now necessary for the government, administration, and public representatives to be more vigilant.

During rainy days, many people visit such rainy tourist spots or sometimes hidden scenic spots to get relief from the daily grind and enjoy the nature there. At such a time, the tourism department of the state government and the local district administrations need to be more aware of all the rainy tourist spots and make arrangements so that tourists can enjoy the tourist spots safely. Only then will we be able to avoid such accidents and tragedies in the future:

Sharad Pawar – NCP – SP, President