Pune district administration has introduced stringent restrictions at key tourist hotspots in Lonavala and Maval taluka. This move comes in the wake of a fatal incident last year, where five members of a family—including four children—were swept away near the Bhushi Dam waterfall after sudden flooding.To avert similar tragedies during the ongoing rainy season, the district authorities have issued prohibitory orders effective until 31 August 2025.Signed by the District Collector and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, these regulations have been enforced under the newly legislated Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The orders cover prominent attractions such as Ekvira Devi Temple, Karla and Bhaje Caves, Bhaje Waterfall, Pavana Dam, and trekking destinations including Lohagad, Visapur, and Tikona Forts. Scenic viewpoints like Tiger Point and Shivling Point have also been included under the ban.The curbs are designed to pre-empt risks commonly associated with monsoon excursions—such as flash floods, landslides, and slippery terrain. Incidents involving selfie-related falls, reckless driving, and alcohol-related mishaps are reportedly on the rise during the rainy season. In view of this, the administration has prohibited swimming in water bodies, sitting under waterfalls, and any activity near cliffs or hazardous zones.
In a decisive step toward enforcing climate-conscious and responsible tourism, the orders also crack down on behaviours contributing to environmental degradation. Playing loud music, using offensive language, and causing noise, air, or water pollution in ecologically fragile zones are now strictly banned. Further, overtaking on ghat roads, parking in unmarked areas, and accessing dam sites without permission are being penalised to mitigate road congestion and ecological disruption.
Temporary traffic diversions have been put in place under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Vehicular movement near dams, rivers, and waterfalls has been restricted, barring essential or emergency services. These diversions aim to reduce bottlenecks and allow emergency services to respond faster in high-risk areas.The tragedy near Bhushi Dam in June 2024, where the family was caught off guard by a sudden surge in water levels, served as a grim reminder of nature’s unpredictability during the monsoon. This led authorities to consider structural and administrative reforms to manage footfall in fragile geographies more sustainably.
While the orders are primarily focused on public safety, they are also reflective of a larger push toward eco-sensitive tourism. By creating awareness and instilling accountability among visitors, the administration seeks to strike a balance between economic opportunity and environmental responsibility.
Officials stress that the success of these measures lies not just in enforcement, but also in citizens’ cooperation. The district’s long-term vision includes making monsoon tourism safer, inclusive, and sustainable—without compromising the natural integrity of the Sahyadri hills.
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