Pune Forest Department has ordered the complete closure of the iconic Sinhagad Fort for all visitors on 30 May 2025.
The temporary shutdown comes amid escalating weather concerns and an active anti-encroachment operation being undertaken by forest officials on the historic hilltop site. Authorities cited persistent heavy rainfall, deteriorating visibility, and the looming risk of landslides as key reasons behind the precautionary measure. Alongside weather-related safety concerns, the department is also carrying out a major clearance operation to remove illegal structures and encroachments from protected forest land at the fort site.
The decision marks a crucial balancing act between preserving public safety during the onset of monsoon and upholding environmental regulations meant to protect the fragile ecological zone in which the fort is situated. The closure affects all trekking and tourist activity at the heritage site, including access via popular routes such as Kalyan Darwaza, Atkarwadi, and other key pathways. Officials confirmed that the encroachment removal drive had begun earlier in the week but was temporarily suspended due to fading daylight and reduced visibility caused by overcast conditions. The department has stated that the second phase of the operation will resume on 30 May and continue until all unauthorised constructions are removed from the premises.
To further strengthen disaster preparedness, the closure will coincide with a scheduled disaster management inspection, during which structural vulnerabilities and slope stability of the fort will be assessed. This initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to mitigate climate-related risks in ecologically sensitive zones, particularly those frequented by large volumes of tourists and adventure seekers. The move reflects a growing trend among state departments to pre-empt climate risks in heritage and eco-tourism hotspots. Located about 35 kilometres from Pune city, Sinhagad Fort has long been a magnet for trekkers and heritage enthusiasts, attracting thousands every month, especially during the monsoon. However, the rising footfall, combined with unchecked human activity and informal construction, has raised alarm bells among ecologists and urban planners.
Officials have issued an advisory urging citizens and tourists to stay away from the fort until conditions are deemed safe for public access. Authorities have further clarified that the fort will remain off-limits until on-ground teams complete both safety assessments and structural clearance. Timely updates regarding its reopening will be communicated through official channels. Environmental experts have long warned that popular trekking destinations such as Sinhagad Fort are increasingly vulnerable to climate change-induced weather extremes. Unregulated development and encroachments on protected slopes not only threaten biodiversity but also increase the risk of fatal landslides and slope destabilisation—especially during intense rainfall.
The forest department’s enforcement action is aligned with state-level policies aimed at sustainable land use, ecological protection, and responsible tourism development. Officials reiterated that preserving the ecological balance of the region remains a key priority, particularly during the monsoon, when the terrain is at its most volatile. The fort, steeped in historical significance and part of the Sahyadri Hill range, also falls under eco-sensitive categorisation, which restricts construction and commercial activity in the surrounding zone. Despite these regulations, illegal eateries, encroachments, and unauthorised paths have mushroomed in recent years, often risking both natural heritage and visitor safety.
Urban environmentalists welcomed the move, stating that the fort’s closure, although temporary, could become a turning point for revisiting the site’s long-term conservation strategy. With Maharashtra witnessing stronger and more erratic monsoons in recent years, experts argue that early interventions like these are necessary to prevent both ecological degradation and loss of life. Public reactions to the closure have been mixed, with some citizens applauding the administration’s proactive stance, while others expressed disappointment over the temporary loss of access to a beloved weekend escape. However, officials maintained that the decision was made in the public interest, with human safety and ecological integrity taking precedence.
The forest department has indicated that more such interventions could be seen across vulnerable hill forts and trekking trails in the Western Ghats, especially during the upcoming monsoon period. The situation at Sinhagad will remain under close watch, and a full assessment of environmental and structural conditions will determine the timeline for reopening. In the broader context, this closure underscores the urgent need for integrating climate resilience, ecological protection, and sustainable tourism in the management of India’s natural and historical assets. As monsoons grow fiercer with each passing year, so too must the mechanisms for preserving lives, landscapes, and legacies.
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