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Irshalwadi has seen over 15,000 visitors since the landslide tragedy struck on Thursday.
An unprecedented rush has hindered rescue operations, forcing authorities to impose restrictions on Friday. While officials, rescue workers, including various NGOs and private organisations, and daily wage workers number about 5,000, more than 15,000 people have landed up, purportedly to witness the rescue work. Authorities have slammed this intrusion, calling it “disaster tourism at its worst”.
At Namarachiwadi and Nanivali village road at the base, a Chowk gram panchayat member under police presence checked visitors and allowed many in. Some reached the site through other pathways. The control room atop Irshalwadi had to make frequent announcements to disperse people blocking movement of NDRF, NGOs and doctors. Many were seen taking selfies and sitting on rocks along the 4km-long trek.
Since opening its doors to international tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets worldwide. The country recorded 93.5 million visits in 2022. The latest move on e-Visas is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to offer a seamless and hassle-free experience to tourists and also marks a milestone in achieving its goal of welcoming 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
Chaitrali Karekar, a representative of Ba Raigad, an NGO, said the visitors were hampering rescue efforts. Gurunath Sathelkar, a coordinator between NGOs and government agencies, said, “We have seen over 15,000 footfall.” Raigad police additional SP Atul Zende said, “Restrictions have been imposed, taking the help of local elected representatives. Many relatives are turning up and others for varied reasons. However, more restrictions will be imposed soon with police increasing the checks.”
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