Pune: Action against two-wheeler riders on Vetal Tekdi, five detained

Pune: Many youngsters climb up Vetal Tekdi on their bikes. This disturbs wildlife and other visitors. The situation worsens on weekends. Now, the Forest Department is going to act against two-wheeler riders on Vetal Tekdi.

Five youths were detained and action would be taken against them under the Forest Act.

Two-wheelers are banned on Vetal Tekdi, which falls within the Forest Department jurisdiction. But some youths enter the area with their bikes and indulge in hooliganism. They will now face action. A special helpline (74 7878 9797) has been set up for the purpose. Citizens should remain alert and report any such behaviour on any hill around the city. Range Forest Officer Pradeep Sankapal has made the appeal.

Forest staffers were patrolling the Vetal Tekdi area at 7.15 pm on Sunday (July 7). The youths were riding three two-wheelers and were arguing with citizens there. They were blowing horns loudly. They were immediately detained. They were all collegians. They were interrogated under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

The action was taken as per the guidance of Deputy Conservator of Forest Mahadev Mohite. A team comprising Assistant Conservator of Forest Deepak Pawar, Range Forest Officer Pradeep Sankpal, forest guards Krushna Hakke, Dayanand Pantwad and Dhanaji Salukhe.

Contact the helpline to lodge a complaint

Forest Officer Sankpal has appealed to people that they should not climb up Vetal Tekdi on two-wheelers and they should not enter the water in the abandoned mine, which is a risk to life. Citizens should stay alert. If they come across anyone indulging in such behaviour, they should contact the Forest Department on 1926