Pune, July 6 (IANS) Torrential rains have been battering Mumbai and Pune for the past two days, throwing normal life out of gear and crippling the transport system. The heavy downpour has triggered a critical situation in Lonavala and the neighbouring Mawal taluka.

To ensure public safety, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, within the jurisdiction of the Lonavala Police Station.

He clarified that Section 163 does not impose a blanket ban on tourism but introduces strict safety regulations. These restrictions will remain in effect from midnight on July 6 until 6 a.m. on July 31. Consequently, tourists visiting Lonavala will be barred from entering waterfalls or visiting hazardous viewpoints. Additionally, clicking selfies, filming videos or making reels at these high-risk spots has been strictly prohibited.

Popular tourist destinations, including Ekvira Devi Temple, Bhushi Dam, Lion’s Point, Tiger Point, Pawna Dam, Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona and Tung Fort, have been witnessing a massive influx of visitors. However, with heavy rains escalating the risk of fatal accidents, the administration was forced to step in.

The District Collector has urged citizens not to risk their lives while enjoying monsoon tourism, warning that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the safety guidelines.

“Section 163 is active from midnight, July 6, until 6 a.m., July 31. Entry into waterfalls, streams, rivers and dams is strictly banned. Photography, selfies and video shooting are prohibited at dangerous cliff edges. There is a complete ban on entering natural waterfalls. Alcohol consumption, noise pollution and littering at tourist spots are strictly forbidden,” said the Pune District Collector.

He reiterated that strict action will be taken against instances of harassment of women and reckless driving. Four-wheelers and six-wheelers are prohibited from entering areas adjacent to dams and riverbanks.

Meanwhile, the heavy downpour has severely impacted Mumbai-Pune rail traffic. A massive landslide occurred between Monkey Hill and Khandala stations in the Lonavala-Karjat South-East Ghat section (around km 121 and 123). Giant boulders, rocks and mud debris crashed onto the tracks, bringing rail services on the route to a complete standstill.

Upon receiving the information, Central Railway’s engineering division, along with hundreds of workers and advanced machinery, rushed to the spot. Restoration work is currently underway on a war footing.

Although relentless rain and thick fog in the ghats are posing significant challenges, railway authorities are making every effort to clear the tracks safely and restore traffic at the earliest. While the continuous downpour in Pune district and the Western Ghats has effectively resolved Pune’s water scarcity concerns, it has simultaneously triggered a severe flood threat.

Considered the lifeline of Pune, the Khadakwasla Dam had filled up to 32 per cent of its capacity by 2 p.m. on July 6. Given the intense rainfall in the catchment areas and the rising inflow, the dam is projected to reach 80 per cent or more of its capacity within the next 24 hours.

If the rainfall persists at this intensity, water could be released into the Mutha riverbed from the dam spillway at any moment. Consequently, the Water Resources and Irrigation Department has issued a high alert to villages along the riverbanks and residents in low-lying areas, advising them to stay vigilant, avoid entering the river and move livestock and valuables to safer locations.

Due to extreme rainfall across the western crest of Pune district, the Indrayani River has breached its danger level. The surging water from the Indrayani is flowing directly into the Bhima River. Currently, water is being discharged into the Bhima riverbed from the Daund barrage at a rate of 27,847 cusecs. As a result, the water level of the Ujani Dam, a crucial water source for Solapur and Pune districts, is rising rapidly.

Local authorities have directed residents in low-lying areas near the riverbanks to evacuate to safer locations. To manage the developing flood situation, Irrigation Department officials and disaster management teams are monitoring the region 24×7.

–IANS

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