The Pune district administration on Tuesday imposed prohibitory orders at several popular picnic spots, including Bhushi Dam and the Pavana Dam region in Maval tehsil, effective from July 2 to 31 to ensure tourist safety during the monsoon season.
A series of safety measures have been outlined for hazardous tourist locations. These measures include identifying and marking dangerous areas, deploying lifeguards and rescue teams, and installing warning boards.
This decision follows an incident on Sunday when a woman and four children were swept away at a waterfall near Bhushi Dam, a well-known picnic spot in Lonavala.
District collector Suhas Divase issued a notification on Tuesday stating that section 163 of the newly implemented Bhartiya Nagari Suraksha Sanhita and the Disaster Management Act, 2005, will be enforced at specific locations across Maval, Mulshi, Ambegaon, Khed, Junnar, Bhor, Velha, Indapur, and Haveli tehsils.
The order prohibits gatherings of five or more people, restricts entry into deep water bodies, and bans taking selfies and creating reels at these sites. Violators will face action under the BNNS and the Disaster Management Act.
The prohibitory orders cover specific sites, including Bhushi Dam, Bendewadi and Dahuli waterfalls in Maval tehsil, Tiger Point, Lion’s Point, and Rajmachi Point in Khandala, Sahara Bridge, the Pavana Dam region, Tata Dam, and Ghubad Lake.
In Mulshi tehsil, the orders include Mulshi Dam, Tamhini Ghat forest area, and Milkybar waterfall. Haveli tehsil areas include Khadakwasla and Warasgaon dams, and the surroundings of Sinhgad Fort. In Ambegaon tehsil, the order applies to the Bhimashankar region, Dimbhe Dam region, and Kondhwal waterfall area.
In Junnar tehsil, Malshej Ghat, local dams, the Shivneri Fort region, and Manikdoh are covered. Prohibitory measures extend to waterfalls around the Bhatghar Dam region and other water bodies and fort areas in Bhor and Velha tehsils. Similarly, water bodies and ghat sections in Khed and Indapur tehsils are included.
Separately, the Lonavala Municipal Council and Central Railway demolished over 60 makeshift shops near Bhushi Dam during an anti-encroachment drive.
On Monday, Collector Divase instructed the local administration to take action against unauthorized structures around tourist spots.
These safety measures were emphasized amid accidents involving tourists at these locations.
During the monsoon season, many tourists visit the Bhushi and Pavana dams, Lonavala, Sinhgad, Malshej, and Tamhini, often venturing into unknown and dangerous areas.
The Pavana Dam in Lonavala has seen a series of tragic drownings, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures in the region.
Since January 2024, four people have drowned in the Pavana Dam, according to Lonavala police. Rescue organizations like Vanyajeev Rakshak Maval (VRM) reported recovering 27 bodies from various water bodies in Maval tehsil between March and May this year.
The district collector has asked officials to identify dangerous spots at tourist places such as dams, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and cliffs, and mark them as prohibited areas with perimeter lines and warning boards to prevent tourists from venturing beyond them.
Disaster-prone areas where safety measures cannot be implemented must be closed to tourists. Agencies such as revenue, forest, railways, municipal corporations, and the Public Works Department should deploy divers, rescue boats, lifeguards, and life jackets at water bodies frequented by tourists. Ambulances with first aid facilities should also be deployed.
“If required, take action against those who violate the rules and regulations,” Divase stated, instructing local officials to implement all measures to prevent loss of life.