Pune: District collector bans tourist activities in forest areas after 6 pm
In the wake of recent accidents in Lonavala and Tamhini Ghat, Pune district collector Suhas Diwase has issued an order banning all tourism activities in forest areas of the district after 6 pm.
The order stated it was necessary to take precautionary measures in the wake of recent accidents at Bushi Dam Lonavala and Plus Valley in Tamhini Ghat to prevent any further mishaps. Tourism in Western Ghats areas such as Maval, Mulshi, Khed, Junnar, Bhor, Velhe and Ambegaon will restricted till 6 pm in the forest zones.
However the order clearly stated that this restriction applies only to tourist spots located in the forest ranges and not to other places, which will be open for tourism at any time.
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.
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.
Tragic incident at Tamhini Ghat: Swapnil Dhavande loses his life after jumping into the Plus Valley waterfall. #TamhiniGhat #Tragedy #waterfallaccident #Pune #punenews pic.twitter.com/WP1Hmp5Qb4
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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.
