Sinhagad, 3rd July 2023: The recurring issue of landslides along the ghat road of Sinhagad Fort in Pune due to heavy rainfall has raised significant concerns among local authorities. Although no accidents have been reported thus far as the landslides occurred during the night, the potential risks and the need for preventive measures are evident.
Landslides are a common occurrence during the monsoon season along the Sinhagad ghat road, posing a threat to both commuters and tourists. Last year, a tragic incident claimed the life of a young trekker, highlighting the severity of the issue. The ghat road has frequently been closed to traffic in the past due to landslides, causing inconvenience and disruption.
The Forest Department allocated funds of approximately one and a half crores to the Public Works Department a year ago for crack prevention work. However, the budget approval for these measures is still pending. With the onset of heavy rainfall this year, landslides have become more prevalent. Recently, stones fell from a cliff near Pune Darwaja, and now multiple sections of the ghat road have collapsed, exacerbating the risks.
One of the most dangerous spots along the ghat road, the first sharp bend, has experienced a significant collapse, resulting in a pile of stones obstructing the roadway. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of this incident. However, the lack of coordination between the Forest Department and the Public Works Department is a cause for concern, as it puts the lives of tourists and commuters at risk. Forest Department officials appear to be disinterested in any work other than collecting fees at the checkpoint located at the foot of Sinhagad.
Last year, Forest Department officials made commendable efforts to manage traffic on the ghat road. However, this year, it seems that little attention has been given to addressing these concerns, indicating potential inconveniences and dangers for tourists in the future.
The administration’s apparent lack of seriousness raises questions about the safety and well-being of visitors. With thousands of tourists flocking to Sinhagad on weekends, the narrow ghat road often experiences heavy traffic, resulting in queues extending for several kilometers. In such circumstances, the collapse of a crack could have devastating consequences. Despite these risks, the administration has yet to implement any plans to alleviate traffic congestion or establish emergency support systems along the ghat road.
The forest department officials have stated that their team promptly removes debris from the affected areas. However, it is evident that more comprehensive and proactive measures are necessary to address the recurring landslide threats and ensure the safety of everyone traveling on the Sinhagad ghat road.
