Pune: Despite the prohibitory orders issued by the district collector on regular intervals, people are crowding at the Khadakwasla dam. On one side, the COVID-19 cases are surging in the district, Punekars who are fondly known for their discipline are seen flouting all norms of social distancing.

With district administration issuing guidelines of COVID-19, people are enjoying their weekend by crowding at Khadakwasla dam which is 20 kms from the city. Due to relaxations on the lockdown, people thronged the tourist spot. Home guards deployed to implement the District Collector’s orders were watching the situation helplessly.

The former District Collector Naval Kishor Ram, had issued prohibitory orders on June 7 banning any activity, travel and crowding at the tourist locations in the Pune district, including Khadakwasla dam. These orders are still in effect, but only on paper. Several vendors have started and set up their stalls, carts along the road adjacent to the Khadakwasla dam. Tourists are stopping by these and stalls to eat. Several tourists are not even bothered to wear mask while being at such public places.

When relaxations were given from the lockdown in the primary phases, similar crowding was reported at the Khadakwasla dam. The local police and administration took action against violators and booked them under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code after various media outlets reported the situation.

Police Inspector Ashok Shelke of Haveli Police Station, while speaking to media persons, has appealed people to avoid visiting Khadakwasla dam area until the administration permits them to. He has also appealed locals not to set up stalls along the dam wall. He has warned that those who flout these rules will be booked under relevant sections of the IPC as per the District Collector order.