Pune District Collector Implements New Safety Measures Following Tourist Deaths In Lonavala And Tamhini Ghat
Reported by Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 1st July 2024:
With the onset of the rainy season, tourists are flocking to the Western Ghats of Maval, Mulshi, Khed, Junnar, Bhor, Velha, and Ambegaon talukas in Pune district. Dr. Suhas Diwase, Collector and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, has directed the implementation of safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of visitors.
“The district administration emphasizes the importance of “safe and responsible tourism.” Ensuring tourist safety is primarily the administration’s responsibility. All department heads must communicate safety measures, guidelines, and ordinances to tourists through various media channels”, Dr Diwase said.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Forest Department, Archeology Department, and other relevant authorities have been instructed to inspect popular tourist sites, including rivers, lakes, dams, waterfalls, forts, and forests. Control lines must be established to demarcate restricted areas at waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountain slopes, preventing tourists from venturing into hazardous zones. Notice boards indicating restricted areas should be prominently displayed.
Tourist spots prone to disasters, such as hilltops, waterfalls, water storage areas, and streams, where preventive measures are unfeasible, should be closed to the public. Sub-Divisional Magistrates are required to issue and enforce the necessary notifications immediately.
Popular destinations like Bhushi Dam, Pavana Lake, Lonavla, Sinhagad, Malshej Ghat, and Tamhini Ghat should have notice boards displaying safety guidelines for tourists. The Revenue Department, Municipalities, Railways, Forest Department, and Public Works Department are to maintain a system of lifeguards, life jackets, life buoys, rescue boats, swimmers, and search and rescue teams. These measures must be coordinated by the sub-divisional and executive magistrates.
Disaster management assistance from non-governmental organizations, local volunteers, mountain climbers, NDRF, Yashada, and district administration should be utilized at crowded places for mountain climbing (trekking) and water tourism. Ambulances equipped with first aid facilities should be available to avoid fatalities. Sub-Divisional Magistrates, as disaster management authorities within their jurisdictions, should take necessary actions under the Disaster Management Act 2005, including issuing appropriate orders for tourist safety.
Heavy vehicular traffic affects many tourist spots, necessitating safety measures on roads managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, Public Works Department, and Zilla Parishad (Construction Department). Road repairs, traffic management, and clear direction indicators are crucial to prevent accidents. Contractors are responsible for highway maintenance and safety measures, and relevant departments must ensure compliance.
The Highway Police, Public Works Department, National Highway Authority, and Road Safety Department are to enforce existing notifications and take further necessary measures to prevent road accidents. Immediate actions should be taken to remove encroachments and unauthorized constructions on roads and footpaths to avoid obstructing traffic and causing accidents. Revenue and police departments should coordinate with local bodies to implement these measures.
Local organizations, including hotel associations, taxi and rickshaw drivers’ associations, guides, and voluntary organizations, should be involved in planning and disseminating safety information to tourists. They should also promote minimal vehicle use and proper parking. Safety regulations and guidelines should be publicized through these organizations.
The Western Ghat forest attracts many tourists, including private organizations, trekking groups, and amateur trekkers. The Forest Department must close unsafe tourism areas within their jurisdiction, install safety notice boards, remove encroachments, and enforce tourism time restrictions to ensure tourists do not stay after sunset. Violators should face necessary legal actions.
Heads of departments are to assess and implement any additional local safety measures. All measures must be strictly enforced to prevent fatalities at tourist sites. Negligence in implementing these measures will hold the responsible officers and department heads accountable.
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Ban on Tourist Spots in Forest Areas After 6 PM
A restriction has been placed on tourist spots in forest areas after 6 PM for safety reasons. However, other tourist sites in the district will remain accessible to visitors after 6 PM, as per the rules, clarified Collector Dr. Diwase.
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