Pune District Implements 6 PM ‘Curfew’ for Tourist Activities Amid Safety Concerns in Lonavala, Mulshi Areas
Reported by Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 1st July 2024: In the backdrop of tourist deaths near Bhushi dam in Lonavala and Tamhini Ghat waterfall, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued orders for stringent preventive measures. Tourists are now prohibited from visiting tourist spots in forest areas after 6 PM.
Pune District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase has announced that strict actions will be taken against tourists who ignore this ban and officials who are lax in enforcing it. Special rules for tourism in Lonavala will be announced shortly.
“We will not tolerate behavior that disturbs other tourists. Action will be taken against rioting youths,” stated the District Collector. Many youths visit these areas on public holidays and weekends, leading to numerous complaints of disturbances and hooliganism at night. Consequently, the ban on visiting tourist spots after 6 PM has been implemented. Delays in action by concerned officers will result in consequences for them, as ordered by the Chief Minister.
Special regulations will soon be announced for tourism in Lonavala. The natural beauty of the Lonavala-Khandala area attracts many tourists during the monsoon season, leading to large weekend crowds. Visitors from nearby areas, including Pune and Mumbai, flock to various points in the region. However, the district administration and police have warned that tourists must adhere to the given instructions or face consequences.
Due to the potential for accidents, especially with the over-excitement of young people in the water, safety measures have been heightened. Videos and reports of such incidents have prompted these actions.
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The District Collector has issued a stern warning against hooliganism. Youths have been urged to avoid over-enthusiasm by getting into water bodies in Lonavla, Mulshi, Maval and Pavana areas. During the monsoon season, a large number of tourists visit Lonavala and Maval, leading to accidents due to misjudgment of water depth.
