Planning a Monsoon Trip? Pune Forest Department Restricts Access to Hazardous Tourist Spots
Pune, 5th July 2026: With heavy rainfall continuing across the Western Ghats and several tourist destinations in Pune district witnessing increased water flow and slippery conditions, the Pune Forest Department has directed field officers to regulate or prohibit tourist access to forest-based tourist spots depending on the level of risk.
Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Vishal Chavan said that instructions had already been issued regarding tourist locations falling within forest areas to ensure public safety during the monsoon.
According to the official, tourism activities have been restricted at locations identified as potentially hazardous, while entry has been prohibited at sites assessed as highly dangerous. The measures have been taken to prevent accidents amid intense rainfall and changing weather conditions in the ghat regions.
The department has also instructed all concerned Range Forest Officers to conduct on-site inspections of tourist locations under their jurisdiction. Based on the prevailing weather, safety conditions and ground assessment, the officers have been authorised to take appropriate decisions regarding tourist access.
The official said compliance and follow-up action would be carried out at the range level after evaluating the condition of each location.
Several waterfalls, hill viewpoints and forest destinations in Pune district witness a surge in visitors during the monsoon. However, authorities have urged tourists to follow local restrictions and avoid venturing into closed or unsafe areas, as heavy rainfall can trigger flash floods, landslides, strong water currents and reduced visibility.
The Forest Department has appealed to visitors to cooperate with local authorities and prioritise safety while planning trips to monsoon tourist destinations in the district.
