Pune: Bhimashankar Nature Trails Closed to Tourists Until September 30

Pune: The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary’s nature trails will be closed to tourists until September 30, as announced by Vasant Chavan, Forest Range Officer of Bhimashankar Sanctuary No. 1. Bhimashankar, known for housing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, attracts numerous devotees and tourists eager to experience the holy Shivling and the monsoon’s mist-covered Sahyadri ranges and waterfalls. Despite their allure, these trails can be perilous and challenging to navigate during the rainy season.

Officials have decided to shut down all trails leading to the waterfalls in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary 1 and 2 due to the increased risk of accidents. The unpredictable water flow and depth in the waterfalls’ pools present significant hazards to visitors. The closure affects routes to the Kondhwal, Chondi, Nhanicha, and Subhedar waterfalls, as well as the paths from Khandas to Bhimashankar, including Ghongal Ghat Nala and Shidi Ghat from Padarwadi to Kathewadi.

Deputy Conservator of Wildlife, Pune, has urged tourists to follow the rules and cooperate with authorities during the monsoon season.

In July, the Maharashtra Forest Department had already banned entry to Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary until the end of the monsoon season.

This decision follows recent incidents at Bhushi Dam and Tamhini Ghat, where several people were swept away by water.