Pune district authorities have imposed prohibitory orders on key tourist areas in Lonavala and Maval taluka including waterfalls, forts, cave sites, and Pawana Dam under Section 163 of the BNSS Act until 31 August 2025. The move aims to safeguard visitors during the intense monsoon season by restricting high-risk activities, liquor, loud music, and vehicular access, while reinforcing gender-sensitive and eco-friendly tourism norms.
The seasonal surge in visitor numbers to Lonavala’s renowned destinations such as Ekvira Devi Temple, Karla Caves and Bhaje Caves, alongside viewpoints like Tiger Point and Shivling Point, has repeatedly triggered concerns over landslides, flash floods, and unmanaged public behaviour. District officials stress that monsoon-related hazards necessitate proactive measures to prevent casualties and ensure regulatory compliance.
The new order bans access to fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls, and ghat edges, and prohibits selfie-taking near cliffs and unsafe areas—a response to several near-miss incidents during peak rain spells. Drinking and loud music at scenic spots contribute to environmental degradation, littering, and pollution of fragile hill ecosystems. The order also restricts entry of private vehicles into sensitive zones, limiting access to essential services and emergency responders.
A significant inclusion in the regulation relates to gender equity and public safety. This move follows growing calls from civic groups for safer tourism environments beyond mere environmental protection. The district disaster management wing underscores that protecting vulnerable visitors—especially women, children, and the elderly—is a priority under the new code. Legal penalties under Section 223 of the BNSS Act have been clarified to deter violations, signalling preparedness to take swift action against infringers.
While some local vendors and tour operators have expressed concern over income disruptions, district officials point to precedent studies showing that controlled tourism during high-risk periods prevents tragedies and long-term reputational damage. Alternative livelihood measures—such as monsoon trekking guides, safety marshals, and disaster management roles—are being explored. Civic planners emphasise that creating safe, gender-sensitive tourism zones can boost off-season employment and foster sustainable tourist inflows without environmental compromise.
As the monsoon advances, Lonavala stands at the threshold of a new governance model which balances visitor attraction, ecological preservation, and public safety. The prohibitory orders reflect a broader shift towards zero-net-carbon, gender-inclusive city-region planning. With thoughtful enforcement, managed mobility, and community engagement, Pune’s monsoon tourism policy could evolve into a benchmark for responsible and equitable hill-station governance.
