Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Divase has issued a directive urging contractors to strictly follow safety regulations during boating activities in the Western Ghats regions of Maval, Mulshi, Khed, Junnar, Bhor, Velhe, and Ambegaon. This comes in light of the influx of tourists visiting these areas for monsoon tourism.
Contractors must obtain a no-objection certificate from the relevant Police Commissioner or Superintendent and set up inspection systems to ensure dam safety.
Any accidents will be the sole responsibility of the contractors, who must also insure the boats according to their passenger capacities. Restricted areas around project sites are off-limits to tourists, and contractors must monitor these zones to prevent access.
Boating activities are prohibited when reservoir water levels exceed their full capacity. Contractors must provide warnings to tourists to avoid areas with water flow from reservoirs into canals or spillways. All legal liabilities and compensation issues related to tourist safety fall under the contractors' responsibility.
Water sports clubs should be situated approximately two kilometers from the dam, and boats are permitted to operate from 9 AM to 6 PM at speeds between 5 to 20 km/h. Boats must display three horizontal stripes in white and red paint and be equipped with reflectors.
Transporting goods, explosives, or weapons on boats is strictly forbidden, and unauthorized telecommunication devices are prohibited. Operators must comply with warnings from project safety officers and immediately cease activities if instructed.
Boats must not approach the dam closer than the specified distance, with violations leading to license cancellation. Safe zones must be clearly marked with floating buoys.
Boats are limited to carrying the proposed number of passengers, and life jackets are mandatory. Boating licenses are valid for five years and must be renewed accordingly.
Given that reservoirs also provide drinking water, maintaining cleanliness is essential. Any pollution caused by contractors will result in punitive action and license revocation.
Dr. Divase emphasized that contractors are fully responsible for ensuring tourists do not compromise dam safety and must adhere to all government regulations regarding boating and dam safety.
