No Entry for Tourists at Tourist Spots in Maharashtra

The tragic incident of five people drowning at the Bhushi Dam in Lonavala has not only made the public aware of the dangers of such bodies but has also raised various questions about the safety measures taken for tourists in the area. In response to the accident, the government has announced that strict measures to ensure tourist safety in the area will now be implemented.

Tourist Safety Measures

According to the authorities, tourists will now be banned from visiting tourist spots after 6 PM in the forest areas of the Western Ghats, such as Maval, Mulshi, Khed, Lonavala, Junnar, Bhor, Velhe, and Ambegaon. If anyone is found violating the rules, the tourist and the official responsible will face severe action.

The new rule has also been implemented to emphasise the zero tolerance for hooliganism by the government, as district collector Suhas Diwase has issued a strong warning against rowdy behaviour by young people that disrupts the smooth functioning of tourist places.

“We will not tolerate behaviour that disturbs other tourists. Action will be taken against rioting youths. Stringent action will be taken against hooligans at the hill station. Those who trouble visitors will be dealt with strictly. Youths arrive in hordes at weekends and on public holidays here. Complaints have been received that they cause noise pollution at night. In this background, the 6 PM ban has been clamped. Officials delaying action will themselves face action. This has been instructed by the Chief Minister,” he stated.

Additionally, after the dam incident, special tourism guidelines will soon be announced for Lonavala.