Tejas Navale

Pune: In response to recent drowning incidents, including the tragic deaths of five family members at Bushi Dam, the Pune administration has implemented several precautionary measures affecting local tourist sites. 

The decision follows fatal accidents at Lonavala and Tamhini Ghat and aims to prevent further tragedies due to unpredictable water flow and depth.

Effective immediately, several waterfalls and nature sites in Pune district are now closed to tourists. 

The closures include:

Waterfalls at Bhimashankar

All roads leading to Kondwal Falls

Ghongal Ghat Nala and the Khandas to Bhimashankar route

Shidi Ghat, from Padarwadi to Kathewadi Chondi waterfall

Additionally, all nature trails within Bhimashankar Sanctuary are closed to tourists until September 30.

The closures are expected to impact weekend tourism significantly, as these locations are popular for enjoying the monsoon rains. The decision is aimed at ensuring public safety by preventing accidents related to unpredictable water conditions.

In Lonavala, where the five individuals were swept away by a waterfall, a curfew has been imposed for tourists after 6 p.m. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has mandated strict enforcement of this curfew. Pune Collector Suhas Diwase has issued a warning that both tourists who disregard the curfew and officials who fail to enforce it will face penalties.