People visit the Shaniwar Wada fort in Pune. (File) Stating that Covid-19 situation in the city was under control with fewer people turning up at hospitals, the Pune administration on Monday reopened all tourist spots in the district, including forts, dams and historical places, ahead of the Republic Day on Wednesday.
The decision was taken after Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, following a review meeting on Covid-19 situation in the district, declared relaxation in Covid restrictions in tourist spots, parks and open spaces, and swimming pools.
“All shops, hotels and tourist spots in the rural part of Pune district would (also) be open from January 24,” said Rajesh Deshmukh, Collector of Pune. Elected representatives have been raising the issue of reopening public places for the past several days since the livelihood of many people is dependent on them.
On January 11, Pune district administration had imposed restrictions on all tourist spots along with destinations like Lonavala, Lavasa and Sahara City.
The administration had said that there was a need for restrictions in public places as people visit them in large numbers on weekends and other holidays. Tourists don’t maintain social distance and consume food after removing their face masks, it added. “It is not possible to ensure strict implementation of Covid-appropriate behaviour in tourist spots. Thus, the decision for putting restrictions as per the demand has been taken,” he had said.
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