Pune: The Pune Rural police have decided to procure 100 breathalysers and set up checkpoints at parking areas leading to tourist locations after a series of fatalities at popular picnic and waterfall destinations such as Naneghat, Kalu waterfall, Kundalika Valley, Tamhini and other such spots.Superintendent of police (Pune Rural) Sandeep Singh Gill has sent a proposal to the state home department seeking approval to procure the breathalysers.According to the police, many visitors arrive at these waterfall sites under the influence of alcohol or carry liquor with them. Most of these tourist destinations have designated parking areas near villages, from where trekkers and picnickers walk to the waterfalls or cliff viewpoints. The police plan to establish checkpoints at these parking areas.Under the proposed plan, police personnel stationed at the checkpoints will conduct breathalyser tests on visitors. Anyone found to be under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to proceed to the tourist spot, while the remaining members of the group will be permitted to continue.The police also plan to book drivers of private and tourist vehicles found driving under the influence while travelling to tourist and trekking destinations.“It is an attempt to reduce accidents and fatal falls at tourist spots,” Gill said.So far this year, around 10 youngsters who had gone trekking or on picnics have drowned in different water bodies across Pune district.
