A disturbing video shot at one of Maharashtra’s most beloved monsoon tourist destinations has caused massive uproar online. The footage, taken at Bushi Dam in Lonavala, shows a man casually urinating into a flowing stream just a few feet away from another man enjoying a swim — sparking intense debate about hygiene, public decency, and the lack of civic awareness in tourist areas.

Bushi Dam, a seasonal hotspot known for its gushing rain-fed streams and scenic stairways, draws hundreds of visitors each year during the rainy months. However, the serenity associated with the site was shattered after this clip surfaced on social media, prompting calls for better regulation, surveillance, and civic education.

The viral video — now viewed by over 700,000 users — was originally shared on X (formerly Twitter), where the uploader condemned the lack of public hygiene with a scathing caption:

“Zero civic sense! One guy is enjoying the bath while the other one is pissing in the stream. This is the reason why I’ve stopped going in pools & such streams.”

Man Pees in Stream Metres from Bather at Bushi Dam

The footage shows a man bathing in a narrow channel near the dam’s steps. Moments later, the camera plans to reveal another man urinating directly into the water. The act was carried out in broad daylight and within full view of other tourists, including women and children. The person filming can be heard alerting the bather about what’s happening upstream.

Social media users were quick to express disgust and disappointment. “Civic sense has plummeted to unseen/unthinkable levels,” one comment read. Others shared similar sentiments, “That too when people, especially females, were passing in front of him.” “Yuck! Disgusting.”

Some responses reflected deeper concerns about India’s global image.

“They take this same disgusting behaviour abroad and then cry ‘racism’ when citizens of those countries object to their disgusting lack of civic sense,” a user noted.
“In the digital era, these videos will be watched worldwide, further ruining our reputation.”

Similar Incident in March

This isn’t an isolated case. A similar incident made headlines earlier this year in March when a man stepped out of a BMW and urinated at a traffic junction in Pune. That video also went viral, resulting in the man’s detention by Satara police. He later issued an apology, expressing shame for his conduct.

Online users are now urging authorities to take stronger action at public spots. Suggestions range from installing more public toilets to launching educational campaigns targeting civic sense.

“India needs a subject called civic sense in classrooms,” one user commented.
“Some people just cannot have nice things and need law to manage them.”

Several commenters expressed frustration over how such behaviour affects the country’s public image.

“Our name is really bad in front of the world coz of those kind of people only. Shameless and etiquette less person.”
“Isi liye toh Indians ko log gaali dete hain..aur koi India aana nahi chahta.”

Bushi Dam Faces Hygiene Issues Amid Tourist Influx

Many echoed the concern that natural destinations are being degraded by irresponsible tourism. Despite Bushi Dam’s natural beauty and appeal, the absence of adequate oversight and basic public hygiene has become a recurring issue.

“This isn’t just a lack of civic sense, it’s a lack of basic human decency. Nature isn’t your toilet, and public spaces aren’t your private playground. Respect the space. Respect others. This is exactly why so many beautiful places are getting ruined,” one post read.

The viral video has reignited conversations about cleanliness, civic responsibility, and the role of early education in shaping public behaviour. Tourists and residents alike are now questioning whether more drastic steps are needed to protect public spaces from such shameful acts.