Avert tragedy this picnic season by exercising caution

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Now that the rains have started in earnest, it is picnic season. Hordes of Mumbaikars will be off to different spots around the city, especially on the weekends to enjoy the fresh air and take in lush, green vistas.

While breaks, hikes and short trips are part of the monsoon package, it is important that safety is at the apex of the picnic pyramid. With waterfalls in spate during the rains, we have witnessed people perched on slick rocks, revelling in the cascading water. At times, they are standing at the top from where the waterfall starts and either shouting, posing or trying to get pictures, standing very close to the falls. There are people surrounding them or other picnickers attempting to get to the same vantage point. There are still others scouting perilously close to the boundary looking for the best place to take pictures. Others have their back to the waterfall trying to take some kind of selfie of themselves with the waterfall in the background. Those below often go into the water, to immerse themselves fully and then emerge, looking heroic while others copy them or cheer.

In this season, at times, it is pelting down heavily and it adds to the ‘fun' for these picnickers. Enjoy the rains and the picture postcard scenery but from a suitable distance. Slick rocks can be a seat from where you will be washed away in a trice. You can be too close to a waterfall's edge without even knowing it. Rain, storm and the sound of falling water mean you may never hear warning shouts or advice. Stones or rocks can dislodge from above and fall on you, more so during this weather. The waterfalls have to be seen with you stationed many feet behind. Pictures can be taken with a zoom lens if necessary. You need not put yourself in every picture. Cavorting above, below or in waterfalls is an invitation to disaster and, in some cases, death. As waterfall time arrives watch with wisdom.