Safety Measures Amplified for Tourists in Monsoon-Affected Pune District

The Pune district administration has issued new guidelines to ensure tourists' safety during the monsoon season. Following a tragic incident, officials are tasked with surveying hazards and implementing measures such as warning boards, rescue equipment, and restricted access to high-risk areas in Lonavala and the Western Ghats.

In response to a tragic incident, the Pune district administration has issued new guidelines aimed at safeguarding tourists during the monsoon season. Collector Suhas Divase announced that officials would conduct thorough surveys to identify potential hazards and ensure necessary safety measures are in place across several popular tourist destinations, including Maval, Mulshi, Khed, Junnar, Bhor, Velha, and Ambegaon areas in the Western Ghats.

''District officials have been instructed to visit various picnic spots such as rivers, lakes, dams, waterfalls, and forts to implement stringent safety measures. Prohibited areas will be clearly marked with warning boards, and places where safety measures are not feasible will be closed to tourists,'' Divase said.

Large crowds usually gather at Bhushi, Pavana dam areas, Lonavala, Sinhgad, Malshej, and Tamhini Ghat during the monsoon. Agencies like revenue, forest, railways, municipal corporations, and PWD are being called upon to deploy divers, rescue boats, lifeguards, and life jackets to ensure tourist safety. Divase also emphasized the importance of involving NGOs, rescue foundations, trekkers, and locals in these efforts. Tourists will be restricted from entering forested areas after 6 pm to further mitigate risks.