Pune: Plastic Ban to Be Enforced at Sinhagad Fort from June 1; Bottle Deposit System Introduced

Pune, 20th May 2025: Starting June 1, the Forest Department will impose a strict ban on plastic at the historic Sinhagad Fort, aiming to tackle the growing environmental concerns caused by littering. In a move to ensure accountability, tourists carrying plastic bottles will be asked to pay a refundable deposit, officials confirmed.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Deepak Pawar said, “Plastic waste has become a major issue at the fort. From next month, we’re not just banning plastic—visitors will also have to pay a deposit when they bring plastic bottles. The amount will be refunded once the bottle is returned at the exit point.”

This decision follows a recent survey by the district administration which revealed that Sinhagad Fort remains the only fort in Pune district still grappling with encroachments. In response, District Collector convened a joint meeting with officials from the Forest and Archaeology Departments, directing immediate action to remove illegal structures and curb plastic pollution.

To prepare for the ban, Pawar met with local vendors on Sunday and issued an eight-day timeline for them to adapt to the new rules. Vendors selling bottled water will now be responsible for collecting and returning deposits. “A vendor committee has been formed to manage the process efficiently and ensure cooperation from all shopkeepers,” he added.

In addition, the Forest Department is developing a mobile application tailored for visitors. The app will provide real-time updates on tourist footfall, traffic conditions on the ghat route, fort entry status, and also enable online bookings. Officials say a beta version is ready, and the app is likely to launch by the end of June.
With the tourist season kicking off in June, authorities are urging all stakeholders to contribute to preserving the fort’s environment.