PUNE, July 21 -- It's not regular practice for riot-control police to be stationed at Igatpuri's scenic tourist spots - its many waterfalls and at the Bhavali Dam, a huge draw, especially in the monsoon. That changed after July 12, when a Nashik family was harassed, attacked and chased nearly 20km on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway after visiting Bhavali Dam. Since then, hotel bookings in Igatpuri have taken a hit as tourists, Instagrammers, visitors and picnickers worry for their safety. Hoteliers have informed that families from cities such as Mumbai, Surat and Vadodara have cancelled trips despite enhanced police deployment. The Igatpuri Hotels and Resorts Association said the incident has dented the hill station's image during the peak monsoon tourism season. Hotelier Gaurav Dasale said his property has seen a 10% drop in bookings since the incident, while Vishal Gupta, a senior member of the association, said two families from Surat cancelled their reservations. "We tried to reassure them that police have strengthened security and there is nothing to fear, but they still chose to cancel," Gupta said, urging authorities to deploy adequate police personnel at remote waterfalls where most tourists spend their time. The impact has also been felt by other businesses dependent on tourism. Amol Sonawane, who runs a mobile spa service catering to hotel guests, said daily service calls have dropped from five-six to just two-three after the incident. "Many tourists are cancelling hotel bookings," he said. Among those who cancelled their trip was Vadodara-based businessman Deepak Kala, who had planned a weekend getaway with 15 family members and friends. "After seeing the incident in the news, we cancelled our booking. We were worried that our group could also be targeted," he said. Igatpuri has over 50 hotels and resorts and around 150 villas. The monsoon season draws more than 700 tourists on an average every day and nearly 2,000 on weekends. The local tourism industry is estimated to generate around Rs.300 crore annually. NCP MLA Hiraman Koskar said he has urged the police to strengthen security at tourist spots. "That incident was an aberration. Igatpuri had not witnessed such an incident before," he said. Harish Choube, an officer working in a private company at Igatpuri, said the tourism sector is a backbone of the local economy. "The local authorities must ensure that such incidents are not repeated so that this sector continues to prosper," he said. Ghanshyam Balap, senior inspector with the Igatpuri police station said 58 personnel, including 35 from the Riot Control Police, are deployed at tourist spots on weekends....