Pune district’s scenic spots, but this influx has also highlighted significant safety concerns. Recent incidents, such as the tragic collapse of the Kund Mala bridge, underscore the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and infrastructure improvements at lesser-known tourist destinations.
On June 15, a 30-year-old pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River at Kund Mala collapsed, resulting in four fatalities and over 30 injuries. The bridge, primarily intended for local commuting, had become a popular tourist spot, often overcrowded on weekends. Despite being declared unsafe, it remained in use, leading to the tragic incident. The opposition has criticized the government’s 11-month delay in initiating the construction of a new bridge, approved with an ₹8 crore budget in July 2024 . In response to this tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for heightened safety measures at approximately 500 identified vulnerable spots in Pune district during the monsoon season. These areas, flagged by the Pune district collector, experience dangerous water levels or strong currents. The Chief Minister urged collective vigilance and established protocols, including deploying police or relying on local villagers, to prevent mishaps in such areas .
The district administration has also issued guidelines urging tourists to avoid visiting waterfalls, dams, hills, and forests during the monsoon season due to the increased risk of accidents . These measures aim to mitigate the dangers associated with slippery trails, swollen rivers, and unpredictable weather conditions. Experts from the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM) emphasize the importance of exercising extreme caution while exploring the wilderness during the monsoon. Trails in the Sahyadris become slippery due to rainfall, dense fog and overgrown grass often lead to disorientation, heavy rain on the hilltops causes streams and waterfalls to swell rapidly, and sudden cloudbursts can result in flash floods. There is also the risk of landslides and falling rocks, especially around fort walls and steep cliffs .
The increasing popularity of lesser-known spots like Kund Mala, Khadakwasla, and Tamhini Ghat, often lacking adequate administrative oversight, has raised alarms. Tourists, drawn by social media posts showcasing these picturesque locations, often venture into areas without proper safety measures. This trend has led to overcrowding and heightened risk of accidents. The district administration’s call for increased vigilance and the implementation of safety protocols are steps in the right direction. However, sustained efforts are needed to ensure that infrastructure improvements keep pace with the growing number of visitors.
Public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and timely maintenance of infrastructure are crucial to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of tourists during the monsoon season.
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