Pune: Sinhagad Fort Temporarily Closed Following Heavy Rains and Landslides

Pune, 30th July 2024: Last week’s heavy rains in the Pune district have disrupted daily life, recording the highest rainfall in the past 32 years. The downpour caused flooding in several areas, exposing the vulnerabilities in the Pune municipal administration as water entered homes, colonies, and settlements across the city. Despite the disruptions, Pune has seen an influx of tourists from all over the state for monsoon tourism, visiting various scenic spots in the area.

One of the popular destinations, Bhushi Dam, recently saw a tragic accident, prompting authorities to close dangerous tourist spots with flowing water in Pune district. Following this, the decision has been made to close Sinhagad Fort, another significant tourist attraction in Pune.

The closure of Sinhagad Fort, a favorite spot for both residents and visitors, comes after a large portion of the hill, including massive trees, collapsed onto the road leading to the fort. The road is now closed as the forest department works to clear the debris. Due to the extensive amount of stones and soil, officials expect the cleanup to take several days. Consequently, vehicles are currently unable to access Sinhagad Fort.

While the heavy rains of the past ten to twelve days have somewhat subsided, the aftermath includes landslides in the ghat areas and regions around hills and forts. Sinhagad Fort, in particular, has experienced multiple landslides this week, causing significant cracks and debris on the road. The forest department is working to clear these cracks, but for now, the road remains closed to both vehicles and tourists.