Pune: Rain-Soaked Sinhagad Fort Faces Rockfall Scare, Visitors Urged To Stay Alert
Pune, 30th June 2023: A significant rockfall incident occurred near the historic Sinhagad Fort’s Pune Darwaja on Tuesday night, as heavy rainfall persisted in the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has sparked concerns regarding safety at the site.
The rockfall took place on the pathway leading to the main entrance of the fort, where local vendors usually sell refreshments. Amol Padher, former deputy sarpanch of Sinhagad Chera, disclosed that some utensils belonging to the vendors were damaged during the event.
Padher mentioned that the fort has been experiencing continuous rainfall since Tuesday. He stated, “A portion of boulders also fell on the road leading to the fort, but it did not disrupt traffic flow.”
In response to the incident, Pradip Sankpal, Pune’s range forest officer, informed that a team of workers has been assigned to clear the debris. “Although it was not a major collapse, we will remain vigilant and take necessary precautions,” assured Sankpal. Despite the recent rockfall, the fort remains open to the public.
Sankpal emphasized that the forest department had allocated Rs 1 crore to the state public works department (PWD) for the installation of safety meshes over loose boulders. “Unfortunately, the work could not be completed before the monsoon season,” he explained, urging visitors to be cautious around unstable sections and cliff edges.
Due to the increasing popularity of Sinhagad Fort among tourists, the forest department plans to enhance security measures. A senior official stated, “The continuous erosion caused by the rise in vehicular traffic has adversely affected the stability of loose boulders on the approach road and parking areas.”
Atul Chavan, superintendent of PWD, Pune division, confirmed that safety meshes had been installed at six locations in the ghat section of the fort. However, further safety measures have been delayed due to disintegrated rocks and loose soil on a 3km stretch leading to the fort.
Nakul Ransingh, deputy engineer of PWD, Haveli, mentioned, “We are awaiting permission from the forest department to carry out benching work on the precarious stretch. Decisions will be made once our executive engineer has inspected the site.”
Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to official advisories while visiting the fort, particularly during monsoon conditions.
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