Monsoon: Pune Collector bans entry to Lonavala, Tamhini ghat, Bhushi, Mulshi dam and other places
Mubarak Ansari
Pune, June 7, 2020: In the backdrop of Coronavirus pandemic, Pune District Collector Naval Kishore Ram has ordered to ban entry to dams frequented by people during monsoon season. Therefore, this year people from Pune, Mumbai and other parts of the state will not be able to enjoy rains at their favourite destinations. These places get massive crowds during weekends often leading to traffic jams.
The District Collector, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, issued the order today under the Disaster Management Act so that there is no law and order issue. The order is expected to save the lives of people as every year many people get drowned in the dam waters. If anyone violates this order, then FIR will be registered against the person for an offence under section 188 (disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Pune rural police has been ordered to take action.
“The entry of people has been restricted to Bhushi dam and Lonavala area in Maval taluka, Mulshi dam and Tamhini ghat in Mulshi taluka, Khadakwasla dam in Haveli taluka, Malshej ghat in Junnar taluka, Bhatghar dam, fort area in Bhor taluka, Panshet dam and other areas in Velhe taluka, Bhimashankar in Ambegaon taluka. These places get a huge number of tourists on Saturdays and Sundays. In the past, many people have lost their lives in dam water and in floods,” the Collector stated.
He added, “Due to heavy rainfall in the dam area, the discharge of water from the dam suddenly increases the water level, and tourists are swept away. As the prevalence of Corona is increasing all over the country this year, the Bhushi Dam and Lonavala area, as well as all the other places in Pune district frequented in rainy season, are being closed for tourists as a precautionary measure.”
“We have prohibited only visiting Dams in Maval and Mulshi Talukas. There are no restrictions in going to these talukas including Lonavala and other places for necessary works as per the guidelines”, the Collector has clarified.
