Enhanced Safety Measures at Pune Picnic Spots Following Recent Tragedy

The Pune district administration has imposed prohibitory orders at several popular picnic spots, including Bhushi Dam and Pavana Dam in Maval tehsil, from July 2 to 31. This measure aims to ensure tourist safety during the monsoon season. The administration has already outlined various safety measures for hazardous tourist locations, such as identifying dangerous areas, deploying lifeguards and rescue teams, and installing warning boards.

The move follows a tragic incident on Sunday when a woman and four children were swept away at a waterfall near Bhushi Dam, a popular picnic spot in Lonavala. According to a notification issued by district collector Suhas Divase, section 163 of the newly implemented Bhartiya Nagari Suraksha Sanhita and the Disaster Management Act, 2005, will be enforced at specific spots across Maval, Mulshi, Ambegaon, Khed, Junnar, Bhor, Velha, Indapur, and Haveli tehsils.

Prohibitory Orders and Safety Measures

The order prohibits gatherings of five or more people, restricts individuals from entering deep water bodies, and bans taking selfies and creating reels at these sites. Violators will face action under the provisions of the BNNS and the Disaster Management Act. The prohibitory orders cover sites like Bhushi Dam, Bendewadi and Dahuli waterfalls in Maval tehsil, Tiger Point, Lions Point, Rajmachi Point in Khandala, Sahara Bridge, Pavana Dam region, Tata Dam, and Ghubad Lake.

In Mulshi tehsil, the orders cover Mulshi Dam, Tamhini Ghat forest area, and Milkybar waterfall. Areas in Haveli tehsil 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, Shivneri Fort region, and Manikdoh are included.

Joint Action Against Encroachments

Separately, in a joint action by the Lonavala Municipal Council and Central Railway, more than 60 makeshift shops near Bhushi Dam were demolished during an anti-encroachment drive. On Monday, Collector Divase instructed the local administration to take action against unauthorised structures around tourist spots.

During the monsoon season, many tourists visit Bhushi and Pavana dams in Lonavala as well as Sinhgad Fort and Malshej Ghat. These places are nestled in the Western Ghats in Pune district but often pose risks due to unknown dangerous areas. The tranquil setting of Pavana Dam has been marred by a series of tragic drownings. Four persons drowned in Pavana Dam since January 2024.

Enhanced Safety Measures

Rescue organisations 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 had asked officials to identify dangerous spots at various tourist places such as dams, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and cliffs. These areas should be marked as prohibited by installing perimeter lines and warning boards to prevent tourists from venturing beyond them.

Agencies such as revenue departments, forest departments, 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, action should be taken against those who violate rules and regulations.

The collector emphasised that places prone to disasters where safety measures cannot be implemented must be shut for tourists. He urged local officials to implement all measures to prevent loss of life effectively.