Pune: Two Booked for Running Unauthorized Camping Activities in Reserved Forest Near Lonavala
Lonavala, 1st June 2026: The Forest Department on Sunday launched a crackdown on unauthorized night camping activities in the Pangloli area of the Shirota Forest Range in Maval taluka of Pune district, booking representatives of two private firms for allegedly conducting commercial camping operations inside a reserved forest without permission.
The action was taken after forest officials received information that individuals had illegally entered the reserved forest area and set up temporary tents for overnight stays.
Acting on the tip-off, Forest Guard Mohini Shirsath of Waksai and Forester Sagar Chutke of Karla visited the site and conducted an inspection. During the inquiry, officials found that commercial night camping activities were being carried out without obtaining the mandatory permissions from the Forest Department.
Following the inspection, the Forest Department booked Pratik Khardekar (35), a representative of Pune-based Xtreme Trekkers and a resident of Karvenagar, and Shreyas Kedar Damodare (21), a representative of United Travellers of India and a resident of Sadashiv Peth, Pune.
A case has been registered against both accused under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Forest officials also seized tents and other materials allegedly used for the unauthorized camping operation. A spot panchnama was conducted, and statements of the accused were recorded.
Shirota Range Forest Officer Somnath Takawale said further investigation is underway. He warned that illegal activities in forest areas under the guise of tourism would not be tolerated.
The Forest Department has appealed to citizens to report any suspicious or unauthorized activities in forest areas by calling its toll-free helpline number, 1926. The appeal was jointly issued by the Pune Forest Department and the Shirota Forest Range Office in Maval.
