Pune: The Wildlife Department has announced the closure of nature trails in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary for tourism until September 30, due to the risk of accidents on slippery paths caused by the monsoon.

This information was provided by Vasant Chavan, the Forest Range Officer of Bhimashankar Sanctuary No. 1.

During the monsoon season, Bhimashankar Sanctuary, home to the sacred Shivling—one of the twelve Jyotirlingas—and known for its scenic waterfalls, attracts numerous devotees and tourists.

However, this year, the risk of accidents due to unknown water flow and depth in the waterfalls has led to the restriction of all access paths to these areas by the Forest Range Officers of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary 1 and 2.

The closed areas include routes to Kondhwal Waterfall, Chondi Waterfall in Khopivali, Nhani Waterfall near Padarwadi, Subhedar Waterfall in Nariwali, and the entire route from Khandas to Bhimashankar including Ghoghal Ghat Nala and Shidi Ghat from Padarwadi to Kathewadi.

The Deputy Conservator of Wildlife, Pune, has urged all tourists visiting Bhimashankar to strictly adhere to the rules during the monsoon and cooperate with the administration.

Unauthorized entry into the sanctuary is prohibited, and tourists found in restricted areas without permission will face legal action under the Wildlife Protection Act, stated Forest Range Officer Vasant Chavan.

The Forest Department has also closed Sinhagad Fort to tourists on Saturday (August 3) and Sunday (August 4) due to heavy rainfall in the Sinhagad and Khadakwasla regions.

On Tuesday (July 30) morning, a significant landslide occurred on the mountain road leading to the fort, causing large trees and a substantial portion of the mountain to block the road.