Lonavala Police, Gram Panchayats, and ASI Implement Measures to Manage Monsoon Tourists and Vehicular Traffic
Pune and the surrounding ghat areas are bracing themselves for heavy rainfall over the next two days. As the monsoon season kicks in, Lonavala Police have devised an action plan to ensure the safety of tourists and manage traffic to prevent congestion in this popular hill station.
To facilitate smooth vehicular movement and minimize accidents, police personnel will be stationed at critical locations. Additionally, measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of tourists at crowded spots and tourist attractions.
Every year, during the monsoon season, a large number of people flock to Lonavala for weekend getaways and holidays. However, the enthusiasm of some visitors often leads to reckless behavior and unfortunate accidents.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Lonavala, Satya Sai Karthik, highlighted the initiatives being taken to address these concerns. He emphasized the importance of the helpline number “112,” which will be prominently displayed on signboards. In order to maintain traffic flow, action will be taken under Section 102 of the Maharashtra Police Act against any obstructions caused by advertising boards.
To manage the surge of weekend crowds, additional police personnel, home guards, and volunteers will be deployed. The police will collaborate with external resources to ensure effective crowd control and safety measures.
A meeting was held to discuss crowd safety measures from Lohagad to Lohagad Fort, involving local area sarpanches, police officers, and an official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Lohagad Fort is an ASI site, and the department is responsible for the well-being of tourists visiting the fort.
Recent incidents were discussed during the meeting, including a situation where 6,000 tourists were stranded at the fort when the gates were closed due to overcrowding. Despite warnings, visitors pushed open the gates to gain entry. As a result, the ASI and the police are taking measures to ensure better management and safety at the fort.
To handle the heavy traffic at Lohagad Fort, vehicles traveling from Bhaje gaon to Lohagad will be diverted to the Dhudewaray Khand road leading to Lonavala. Traffic movement will be monitored using CCTV cameras, and gram panchayat volunteers will assist in crowd control. An LED screen will be installed at the base of Lohagad Fort to provide public awareness and traffic updates.
Additional security personnel and PA systems will be implemented at every entrance. Tickets will include visit duration, with a stipulation to exit by 5 pm. Volunteers equipped with walkie-talkies will be informed about risky and slippery areas for descending safely. Adequate security measures will be in place for places of worship within the fort premises. Tourists returning from Lohagad to Bhaje Marg will be directed to take the Marwal-Devale-Aundhe road.
Similar safety measures will be implemented at Karla Phata, including signboards indicating no parking areas and diversions, PA systems for announcements to motorists, and CCTV cameras for monitoring traffic flow. The Karla gram panchayat will appoint five volunteers to enforce no parking regulations and ensure safety during weekends. To avoid traffic congestion, vehicles coming from Malavli will be diverted at Karla village to connect with the main highway. Likewise, vehicles traveling from Karla to Malavli will take the Arundh bridge route on the Indrayani River.
With the expected heavy rainfall in ghat areas, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light to moderate rainfall and isolated heavy rain from July 8 to July 11. The IMD notedthat strong westerly winds bringing moisture from the Arabian Sea, coupled with upper air cyclonic circulations over South Gujarat and the Bay of Bengal, will contribute to the intensification of the monsoon. While central Maharashtra and the ghat region are expected to receive good rainfall, the southern region of central Maharashtra can anticipate moderate rainfall.
Anupam Kashyapi, the head of the weather forecasting division at IMD, Pune, explained that although heavy rainfall was initially predicted, the offshore trough’s strength was less than expected. Nevertheless, areas such as Konkan, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, and parts of Marathwada are likely to experience substantial rainfall.
As the monsoon advances, it is crucial for authorities to be prepared to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists. The efforts undertaken by Lonavala Police, gram panchayats, and the ASI to manage traffic and implement safety measures demonstrate a proactive approach to address the challenges associated with increased tourism during the monsoon season.
By effectively managing traffic, enforcing regulations, and raising awareness among visitors, the authorities aim to minimize accidents and provide a safe environment for tourists to enjoy their time in Lonavala. These measures, combined with the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions by the IMD, will contribute to a smoother and safer monsoon experience for both residents and visitors in Pune and the ghat areas.
