Pune: Mulshi Tehsildar Ranjit Bhosale has ordered the complete suspension of tourism activities in Pirangut, leading to an eerie silence in Lavasa City on Saturday (August 17), despite it being a holiday.
The usually bustling areas, including the main market near Lavasa's Town Hall, the road along the dam wall, and popular spots like the Ghat Road waterfalls and Warasgaon Dam catchment area, were all deserted due to the absence of tourists.
The decision comes after the recent heavy rains caused significant damage to the road leading to Lavasa from the Lavarde area near Temghar Dam. This has forced disheartened tourists to turn back from the base of the dam.
The Public Works Department has constructed a temporary alternative road with culverts to avoid disrupting the lives of locals and the operations of schools, colleges, and administrative services in Lavasa.
However, concerns have been raised that continued use of this road by tourist vehicles could lead to further damage, potentially halting traffic and isolating the Mose Valley. In response, the Tehsildar has issued a directive to the Lavasa administration, enforcing a strict ban on tourism.
The Tehsildar's order highlights that the temporary road, constructed after the collapse of the original route from Ghotawade to Lavasa City on July 25, 2024, is meant exclusively for Lavasa City employees and local residents, not for tourists.
Despite previous closures, it was observed that the Lavasa administration had resumed tourist bookings, leading to a high volume of tourist traffic on the fragile road.
The order emphasizes that this road is unsuitable for heavy tourist traffic and warns that any further damage could cut off access to villages beyond Temghar Dam.
Additionally, the risk of accidents on the road cannot be ruled out. As a precaution, all tourism activities in Lavasa City have been completely suspended. The Tehsildar's office has made it clear that if any incidents occur, the Lavasa administration will be held fully accountable and could face criminal charges.
The Paud police have also been notified and instructed to enforce the ban on tourist traffic on the temporary road. Senior Inspector Manojkumar Yadav stated that the Lavasa administration has been strictly warned, and regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
Lavasa Administrator Mrityunjay Goswami confirmed the complete ban on tourism, noting that no tourists are currently visiting Lavasa. He also mentioned that eight to nine checkpoints have been established on the temporary road near the base of Temghar Dam to enforce the ban.
