Pune: Lonavala city police took action against 69 tourists who visited the hill-station on the weekend violating the lockdown orders issued by the district administration. A fine of Rs 500 was collected from 44 persons who were roaming in the city without wearing masks.
Under a special drive conducted on Saturday (July 11) and Sunday (July 12), the Lonavala city police have taken action against the lockdown violators under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
The district administration has prohibited any tourist activity at the hill-station along with other tourist places in the Pune district as a part of precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus and thereby reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. A total of 38,502 COVID-cases have been reported in the Pune district so far. In Maval taluka alone, 25 new cases from Indori, Satumbe, Kanhe phata, Kamshet, Sai and Shindewadi were identified on Sunday. However, citizens preferred to ignore the administration orders and celebrate the weekend which was the last one before the Shravan month starts. A 10-day strict lockdown is also planned in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities from Tuesday (July 14) which prompted citizens to get away for a weekend drive to Lonavala.
Administration officials have banned entry to tourists at 31 popular monsoon destinations in the Maval district. Similarly, the Haveli police along with the villagers from Khadakwasla also took action against lockdown violators at the Khadakwasla, Panshet dam and Sinhagad fort area.
Police Inspector Manojkumar Yadav and his staff from Lonavala city police station have initiated the special drive to take action against tourists coming to Lonavala during the lockdown. Documents, e-pass are being checked. Those having no valid reason to visit the city was asked to return after police took action against them under section 188 of IPC. Some people were seen at public places without wearing masks and they were stopped and asked to pay a fine of Rs 500. Last weekend too, Lonavala police booked 131 tourists for violating the prohibitory orders and travelling without a permit.
Edited by:
Khevna PanditÂ
