No Selfies, No Reels, No Swimming: Lonavala’s New Monsoon Rules Explained

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Lonavala, 6th July 2026: In a decisive bid to safeguard tourists and maintain public order during the ongoing torrential monsoon season, Pune District Collector and District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, imposing strict prohibitory orders across major tourist hotspots in the Lonavala Rural police station limits.

The restrictions came into effect on July 6, 2026, and will remain in force daily from 6:00 PM (18:00 hrs) to 6:00 AM until August 31, 2026. The order is designed as a preventive public safety measure rather than a blanket ban on tourism, ensuring that visitors do not risk their lives in highly volatile and dangerous natural settings during heavy downpours.

Rising Tragedies and Safety Concerns Prompt Action
According to the official notification, the restrictions were prompted by a formal security and traffic inspection report submitted by the Superintendent of Police (SP), Pune Rural, on July 4, 2026. Lonavala and the surrounding Maval taluka experience a massive influx of domestic and international tourists during the rainy season, leading to severe traffic congestion on weekends and holidays, alongside increased accident risks.

The order highlights several alarming safety and security statistics in the region:
Drowning Fatalities: A total of 15 tourists have tragically lost their lives by drowning in the Pawna Dam area after entering the reservoir without gauging the depth of the water.

Flash Floods and Mountain Sweeps: Within the Lonavala City Police jurisdiction, 6 tourists climbing the hills were suddenly caught in heavy rainfall, swept away by fast-flowing water, and died.

Rising Crime Rates: The administration noted that popular tourist spots like Tiger Point, Lions Point, Pawna Dam, and Bhaje Waterfall have seen a rise in criminal activity, with 4 cases of theft and armed robbery registered recently.

Key Areas Under Surveillance
The safety restrictions apply to the most highly frequented tourist, historical, and pilgrimage sites under Lonavala Rural Police limits, including:
Temples and Caves: Karla Caves, Bhaje Caves, and Ekvira Devi Temple.
Historical Forts: Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort, and Tung Fort.
Scenic Spots and Dams: Bhaje Waterfall, Tiger Point, Lions Point, Shivling Point, and Pawna Dam.

The 12-Point Official Safety Code
The Pune District Administration has outlined 12 strict rules that tourists, tour operators, and locals must follow:
Ban on Swimming: Entering or swimming in fast-flowing water streams, rivers, or reservoirs is strictly prohibited.
Waterfall Restrictions: Standing directly under high-velocity water flows or going too close to waterfalls is banned.
No Selfies/Reels at Risky Spots: Taking selfies, photographs, or filming videos/social media reels at dangerous locations, waterfall edges, steep cliffs, valley borders, and sharp turns is forbidden.
Alcohol Prohibition: Consuming alcohol, entering tourist spots in an intoxicated state, carrying, transporting, or selling liquor illegally, and drinking in the open near natural waterfalls is strictly banned.
No Dangerous Parking: Halting or parking vehicles on main traffic roads or at hazardous bends is prohibited.
No High-Speed Driving: Driving at excessive speeds or in a manner that obstructs the general flow of traffic is banned.
Reckless Driving Banned: Reckless driving, dangerous maneuvering, and risky overtaking of other vehicles are strictly prohibited.
Anti-Littering Mandate: Throwing or dumping food, garbage, glass and plastic bottles, thermocol, or plastic materials in public spaces is banned.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Any form of harassment, teasing, inappropriate behavior, or indecent conduct toward female tourists will result in immediate police action.
Noise Pollution Ban: Playing loud music systems, DJ setups, or high-volume car speakers and woofers in public is banned to prevent noise pollution.
General Pollution Control: Engaging in any activity that causes air, water, or sound pollution is strictly forbidden.
Vehicular Restriction near Water: The entry of all two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and six-wheelers is strictly prohibited in the immediate vicinity of waterfalls, dams, and rivers (except for authorized emergency and essential services).

Enforcement and Penalties
The Pune District Administration has warned that any individual, group, or organization found violating these safety guidelines will face strict legal prosecution. Local police, the forest department, and administrative squads will be deployed in large numbers to monitor compliance and ensure the safety of all visitors. Violators will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (which deals with disobedience of orders promulgated by a public servant).