HomeLatestPune Ghats Face Severe Weather Alert Avoid Travel Risks

Pune Ghats Face Severe Weather Alert Avoid Travel Risks

Residents and travellers have been warned to steer clear of Pune’s ghat routes on June 19 and 20, following an intense weather advisory from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Issuing an orange-to-red alert, the department flagged risks of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across isolated pockets of the ghat regions. The advisory underscores the threat of landslides, rockfall, poor visibility, and slippery roads, all of which can compromise road safety in elevated terrain.

The IMD, citing satellite and radar data, noted a sharp uptick in monsoonal intensity over western Maharashtra, especially in the Pune district and adjoining hill regions. The downpour, already underway since early this week, is forecast to strengthen further through June 20. With travel conditions expected to deteriorate sharply, the department has urged citizens to avoid non-essential visits to ghats and other rain-sensitive corridors. Data from ground reports suggests that Lonavala and other parts of the Western Ghats have already received upwards of 120 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. This has triggered surface runoff, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and increased soil loosening—raising the probability of landslides and mudslides. Slippery conditions along key highways and arterial hill roads have also raised red flags for transportation departments. Traffic flow has already slowed across several points of NH-48 and internal ghat connectors.

Officials from Pune’s civic disaster cell said control rooms are on high alert and rescue teams have been deployed across critical zones, particularly in regions known for slope instability and high vehicular density. Temporary barricading, reflective warnings, and slope surveillance teams have been put in place in several hill corridors. A senior disaster management official noted that the advisory is not merely precautionary but reflects real-time deterioration in terrain stability. The district administration, in coordination with the Maharashtra State Disaster Response Force and civic authorities, has activated a series of preparedness measures including early warning systems, evacuation planning for vulnerable settlements, and intensified coordination with the IMD for hourly weather updates. Low-lying zones along riverbanks in Pune have also been flagged for possible moderate flooding, prompting the deployment of motorboats and emergency services.

The travel risks have also drawn attention from regional tourism bodies. Pune’s ghat regions are a magnet for local and regional tourists, especially during the monsoon when lush greenery and cascading waterfalls attract weekend travellers. However, the ongoing rain spell has shifted priorities from recreation to resilience. Travel agents and online booking platforms are witnessing cancellations, while local authorities are urging hotels and resorts to temporarily suspend outdoor recreational activities. Safety signage and route blocks are being implemented along vulnerable passes and cliff-side routes to prevent unauthorised or ill-informed entry into risk-prone areas. The current weather system influencing this extreme rainfall pattern stems from a cyclonic circulation positioned over South Gujarat, with a connected trough extending into the Konkan region. This interaction has significantly enhanced the monsoon surge in the western coastal belt. According to senior weather scientists, such convergence zones typically result in localised but high-intensity rainfall, often accompanied by thunder and short-term wind gusts. These can exacerbate structural vulnerabilities, especially in hill infrastructure and bridge crossings.

For the city of Pune itself, civic bodies have flagged issues related to traffic congestion, waterlogging, and tree-fall incidents. Municipal authorities have advised commuters to opt for public transport, avoid underpasses during active rainfall, and postpone non-essential outdoor travel. Emergency call centres have been ramped up to handle increased public distress calls, especially during late evening and early morning rain windows. The broader environmental concern being echoed by experts is the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events across Maharashtra. Climate scientists argue that urbanisation, deforestation in ghats, and poor drainage planning have worsened the impact of monsoonal surges. They advocate for stronger regulation of hill development, including ecological zoning, enforced building codes, and landslide early-warning systems tailored for the Western Ghats.

Meanwhile, residents in Pune and neighbouring districts are being encouraged to rely on official updates only and not forward unverified weather alerts via social media. Misinformation during weather emergencies can often compound panic and hinder response efforts. IMD’s regional office in Pune has also appealed to citizens to subscribe to government weather apps and alert systems for credible and timely information. Local businesses are also expected to be impacted. With two critical weekdays affected by the weather alert, logistics chains, food delivery networks, and transportation services have either scaled down or rerouted operations. School transport associations have also raised safety concerns and are in discussions with authorities regarding temporary suspension of services in high-risk zones.

While travel disruption and infrastructural delays are a natural outcome of such weather events, the focus remains on minimising human and ecological casualties. Pune, with its blend of modern expansion and natural topography, is once again facing a test of its climate readiness. The cooperation of its residents during this red-alert window will be crucial in ensuring that preventive advisories do not turn into reactive responses. As the monsoon continues to gain strength, this episode highlights the need for sustainable hill management, resilient transport design, and behavioural adaptation among citizens. Avoiding unnecessary travel in high-risk zones is not just an individual safety measure—it is a civic responsibility that contributes to the broader resilience of the city.

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Pune Ghats Face Severe Weather Alert Avoid Travel Risks
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