Pune: Now Rs 500 Fine For Entering Backwater Of Khadakwasla Dam, Guards Deployed
Khadakwasla, 13th May 2023: In a bid to address the growing concerns over water pollution and unruly behavior, the Irrigation Department in Pune has imposed a ban on entering the water near the Khadakwasla Dam Chowpatty.
Notice boards have been placed in the area, warning tourists that a fine of five hundred rupees will be imposed on those found violating the ban. The department has taken the initiative to deploy ten security guards, starting from today, to ensure compliance and prevent tourists from entering the water.
The decision came after repeated incidents of thousands of tourists dirtying the water at Khadakwasla Dam, a vital water source for the city of Pune, especially during holidays. A joint inspection was recently done by the police, irrigation, public works, and forest departments. Measures have been initiated since last week to tackle this problem effectively.
The local Haveli police station (under Pune rural police) have already closed the pathway leading to the dam, and a fence has been erected to prevent vehicles from parking on the dam’s sides. These efforts yielded positive results last Sunday. However, on other days, tourists continued to be seen entering the water, necessitating stronger action.
To reinforce the ban, the Irrigation Department has erected signboards across multiple locations in the Khadakwasla Dam area, explicitly stating the penalty of Rs 500 for water entry violators.
Girija Kalyankar, the Khadakwasla Dam Branch Engineer, has confirmed that ten security guards will be stationed daily at the Chowpatty area.
Khadakwasla Dam Chowpatty attracts a large number of tourists, particularly during holidays, leading to overcrowding and late-night gatherings. The absence of a protective wall or permanent fence around the dam makes it challenging to regulate the movements of visitors effectively. While the authorities are making efforts to address the situation, the limited number of police personnel and security guards is insufficient compared to the massive crowd, highlighting the need for a more permanent solution. Constructing a protective wall or installing a wire fence could help mitigate these recurring issues in the long run.
Girija stated, “Several tourists were breaching the barricades to enter the water despite its closure. Strict action will now be taken against those found entering the water.”
The authorities have also decided to deploy additional police personnel during weekends to manage the expected surge in visitors. “The efforts of the Irrigation Department in placing notice boards are expected to create awareness and deter offenders. Acknowledging the traffic congestion caused by ongoing roadwork during holidays, the Public Works Department has been urged to expedite the construction process, thereby easing the situation”, said Bhausaheb Dhole, Haveli Sub Divisional Police Officer, Pune Rural.
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