Pune: Prohibitory Orders Imposed in Lonavala, Maval Tourist Zones Till August 31 to Ensure Monsoon Safety

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 11th June 2025: In a bid to safeguard tourists and maintain law and order during the monsoon season, the Pune District Administration has imposed prohibitory orders in popular tourist areas of Lonavala and Maval taluka under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023. The directive, issued by District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority Chairman Jitendra Dudi, will remain in force until August 31, 2025.

Lonavala and surrounding regions attract thousands of tourists during the rains, especially to sites like Ekvira Devi Temple, Karla Caves, Bhaje Caves and Waterfall, Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort, Tiger Point, Lion’s Point, Shivling Point, and Pawana Dam. However, heavy rainfall often leads to hazardous conditions including waterlogging, landslides, and flash floods, prompting authorities to act pre-emptively.

According to the order, the following activities have been strictly prohibited during the monsoon period in these zones:
Entering or swimming in fast-flowing water bodies
Visiting or sitting under waterfalls
Taking selfies or photos near slippery or dangerous spots like valley edges, cliffs, or ghat turns
Consuming, carrying, selling, or transporting alcohol in public spaces, particularly near natural waterfalls
Driving rashly, halting vehicles in unsafe areas, and overtaking on narrow or blind turns
Littering, dumping of food waste, plastic bottles, thermocol, or any non-biodegradable material in public places
Playing loud music, DJ systems, or using car woofers and speakers that create noise pollution
Any actions that cause air, water, or noise pollution

Additionally, any form of harassment, inappropriate behavior, or obscenity towards women in public areas is strictly prohibited.

लोणावळा व मावळातील पर्यटन स्थळात ३१ ऑगस्टपर्यंत प्रतिबंधात्मक आदेश लागू, नियमबद्ध पर्यटनाचे आदेश

Entry of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and six-wheelers into zones like waterfalls, dams, and rivers has also been restricted. Only essential service vehicles will be allowed in these areas during the enforcement period.

The district administration has warned that violations of the order will invite strict legal action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023.

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