Pune: With the onset of the monsoon season, many citizens are venturing out for nature tourism. However, due to the high risk of accidents, entry to Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary is banned until September 30, 2024, according to Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Tushar Chavan.

The wildlife department has closed all nature trails in the Plus Valley of Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary from June 28, 2024, to June 30, 2024, due to slippery paths caused by the rain, posing a significant risk of accidents.

Tamhini attracts a large number of tourists during the monsoon for its pleasant environment and waterfalls. However, the increasing water flow and depth in spots like Milky Bar waterfall pools have raised safety concerns.

Tourists are urged to strictly follow the rules during their monsoon visits and cooperate with the authorities. Entry into the sanctuary without permission is prohibited, and violators will face action under the Wildlife Protection Act.

Recent Tragic Incidents

A 21-year-old student from Solapur, identified as Rohan Viresh Loni, who was studying in Pune, tragically drowned in a water body at Plus Valley in Tamhini Ghat.

Loni was visiting Plus Valley with a group of friends in December 2023. While exploring, they decided to swim in a water body. Unfortunately, Loni misjudged the depth and drowned. His friends' attempts to save him were unsuccessful.

Disaster management teams promptly arrived at the scene, but the difficult terrain, with large boulders and steep slopes, hampered the retrieval operation.

In a separate incident in December 2023, a bus carrying 57 passengers, all employees of a Pune-based private firm, overturned in Tamhini Ghat. The holiday tour to Konkan turned tragic as the accident left two dead and 55 injured. The passengers were employees of a marketing and trading company in Loni Kalbhor.

These incidents underscore the need for increased safety measures and awareness in the Tamhini Ghat area, especially during the monsoon season when the terrain becomes even more hazardous.