Pune: Overcrowding Forces Early Closure of Andharban Forest Trail in Tamhini Ghat; Officials Urge Trekkers to Avoid Weekends
Mulshi, 30th June 2025: A massive influx of tourists on Sunday, June 29, prompted forest authorities to shut down entry to the Andharban forest trail by early afternoon, citing overcrowding and safety concerns. The popular monsoon trekking destination, known for its narrow paths and dense foliage, saw visitor numbers far exceed its ecological and logistical limits.
Forest officials reported that nearly 5,000 to 6,000 people gathered at the trailhead over the weekend—significantly beyond the sustainable capacity of the trail. The overwhelming crowd triggered fears of accidents, stampede-like situations, and irreversible harm to the fragile forest ecosystem.
Crowd Surge Prompted Midday Closure
“The sheer number of visitors became unmanageable. By 11:30 am, the situation at the entry point was bordering on chaos. For safety reasons, we had no option but to close the ticket counter by noon,” said Sagar Bhosale, Range Forest Officer of the Andharban Division. “Roughly 3,000 trekkers were allowed to proceed in batches, and the remaining were turned back to avoid any mishap.”
Tourists had started arriving as early as 9 am, leading to heavy congestion near the ticket area just a few hours later. Officials feared that allowing further entry could lead to bottlenecks and increase the risk of injuries on the steep and slippery forest trail, especially during the monsoon.
Trail Entry Timings Now Under Stricter Regulation
Authorities have reiterated that the entry window to the Andharban trail will now remain open only until 2 pm, but in cases of excessive footfall, it may be closed even earlier without prior notice. Officials are closely monitoring crowd levels throughout the day to make real-time decisions.
“We appeal to nature lovers and trekkers to consider visiting on weekdays when the rush is significantly lower. Overcrowding not only endangers human safety but also puts pressure on the forest’s delicate biodiversity,” Bhosale added.
Call for Responsible Tourism
The forest department has also urged tourists to follow guidelines, avoid littering, and refrain from making noise that could disturb the wildlife. Local volunteers and forest guards are being deployed in larger numbers during weekends to assist in crowd management and ensure that visitors adhere to regulations.
View this post on Instagram
