Leash on weekend rush to Lonavla, Bhushi dam

PIMPRI CHINCHWAD: Entry of heavy vehicles to Lonavla and that of tourists to Bhushi dam have been banned after 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays to handle heavy rush of tourists to the areas on weekends.

“There will be a ban on entry of heavy vehicles to Lonavla on Saturdays and Sundays. They cannot enter the town from Valvan and Khandala exits. Heavy vehicles are expected to be parked at parking spaces provided near Valvan bridge and tourists must proceed to their destinations,” DD Shivthare, deputy SP, Lonavla division, said.

He said that tourists would not be allowed to go towards Bhushi dam and Lions Point after 5pm and those already there must leave the spot by 6pm to avoid any untoward incident.

Thousands of tourists from Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Mumbai visit Lonavla and nearby areas in Maval taluka to enjoy the monsoon as these areas are full of lush greenery and waterfalls.

This leads to long traffic snarls on various roads leading to famous tourist points. Furthermore, a large number of tourists also travel on foot to popular tourist spots. So, it becomes difficult to walk on roads.

All these necessitated the imposition of restriction on the movement of vehicles and pedestrians on weekends and long consecutive holidays. “Tourists visiting various tourist spots in and around Lonavla town must follow traffic rules and not indulge in rash driving, or face strict police action. We will take the help of volunteers, college students and members of voluntary organisations to handle the heavy rush of tourists. Around 50 students from a college will help us on one day and another 50 from a different college will join the next day,” said Shivthare.

He said, “Popular tourist spots of Rajmachi Point, Tikona, Tung, Lohagad, Bhaje and others will be closed for tourists at 6pm. We have formed anti-eve-teasing squads for the safety of women.”

He said that strict action would be taken against tourists consuming alcohol or hookah and misbehaving in the open. Policemen in plain clothes would deployed to take action against revellers violating rules and disturbing others.