District administration withdraws restrictions on visiting tourist places in Pune district

The prohibitory orders issued earlier for all the tourist destinations in Maval and Mulshi areas, including Lonavala and Tamhini ghat have been withdrawn by Pune district administration.

Earlier, the sub-divisional officer had issued prohibitory orders till July 27. The restrictions were later extended till further notice.

The administration had issued a provisional ban on visiting tourist places in the Pune district due to rainfall and flood-like conditions that had developed in some tourist places to ensure people’s safety. However following political pressure as well as demands from locals whose businesses were affected because of the ban, the restrictions have now been lifted.

However, restrictions on visiting risky spots, such as Bhushi dam and waterfalls deep inside the forest area, will continue.

Surendra Navale, Maval Mulshi sub-divisional officer, issued the order in this regard.   

Describing the situation, the officer, via the order said, “Earlier due to the intense rainfall activity in the ghat section of the Pune district on July 24 and 25, the dam water level had increased significantly. Flood-like conditions were developed in some tourist places and hence given people’s safety, the administration issued a provisional ban on Tourist places in the Pune district. However, now the situation has improved, the restrictions are also lifted by the administration.” 

“Although we have withdrawn the prohibitory orders, the earlier order prohibiting entry to some risky places for two months during the monsoon is still in place. The prohibitory orders for all tourist places could be issued again based on the local situation,” sub-divisional officer of Maval and Mulshi Surendra Navale said.

Earlier this week, local shopowners and members of the transport association from Lonavla had organised a protest against the prohibitory orders issued by the district administration for tourists. Besides, local MLA Sunil Shelke had also raised their demand with the administration and state govt officials.

The administration had issued a provisional ban on visiting tourist places in the Pune district due to rainfall and flood-like conditions that had developed in some tourist places to ensure people’s safety during the rainy season.

The order barred gatherings of five or more persons, restricted individuals from entering deep water bodies, and banned taking selfies and creating reels at these sites.