Pune: Banning tourist spots raises questions over infrastructure, livelihood and leisure

Pune: Many tourists died in accidents at hill stations recently. Therefore, the Forest Department banned visitors at Sinhagad Fort, Tamhini Ghat, Bhimashankar sanctuary, etc. Citizens are unable to enjoy the rainy season at these places.

However, some people are demanding that tourism should continue by monitoring crowds at such places.

Currently, it is raining continuously at some tourist places. Many people are visiting these spots. Many have lost their lives due to shooting video clips or while taking selfies dangerously. Consequently, the administration has banned entry to all these sites. The Kalsubai Summit saw huge crowds twice in the past month. A visitor died of a heart attack last Sunday. Another one passed away at Torna Fort. Three tourists were washed away at two waterfalls in the Tamhini Ghat area.

The video clip of five members of two families swept away in a strong water current at Lonavala is still fresh in public memory. This underlines the need to control crowds at tourist spots. Moreover, people should also observe caution while enjoying nature’s beauty.

Issue raised in the State Assembly

Speaking in the State Legislative Assembly, MLA Siddharth Shirole said, “Safety and infrastructure is lacking at tourist destinations in Pune district. These systems have gone for a toss there. The State Government should take concrete action to correct the situation.”

Blanket ban is not desirable

Crowds can be seen at Harishchandra Fort, Sinhagad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Sandhan Valley, Harihar Gad, Torna Fort, etc. Crowd management is necessary at these places to avoid accidents. People flock to enjoy waterfalls in Mulshi, Lonavala and Tamhini Ghat. Now, the Forest Department has banned tourists at these places. Many have objected to this blanket ban on tourism as local residents earn their livelihood through this.

QUOTES

“Tourist spots are getting crowded. Accidents are taking place. Therefore, the District Collector has brought restrictions at these spots. Section 144 has been clamped at Sinhagad Fort, where a gathering is not allowed.” – Pradeep Sankpal, Range Forest Officer

“Many forts and tourist destinations come under the Forest Department. One should give priority to one’s personal safety while visiting these places. One should not visit a forest area at night and disturb wild animals. Avoid visiting dangerous spots. We will take stringent action if anyone is found violating these guidelines.”