Entry of tourists banned at Bhimashankar waterfalls

Incessant rains in and around Pune had caused landslides along the road to the temple and traffic was suspended from the Khed side approach last month.

Bhimashankar range has four major water falls, namely in Nigdale and Kondhawal. (Express photo by Prashant Nadkar)

The Pune district administration has banned tourists and trekkers from entering the four waterfalls in Bhimashankar region to prevent accidents. Sanjay Nagtilak, tehshildar of Ambegaon, said the decision was taken in an inter-departmental meeting. The ban comes after five members of a family in Pune were swept away in a waterfall in Lonavala last month.

Bhimashankar range has four major water falls, namely in Nigdale and Kondhawal. Local residents said that after the Covid lockdown, the number of visitors doubled in the area and this year the waterfalls have a lot of water flowing through them due to the heavy rains.

“Dimbhe dam is also full with water being discharged from all five gates,” Nagtilak said. As part of the ban, police and firest department will barricade access to the water fall and other approach areas of water bodies.

Story continues below this ad

With the holy month of Shravan commencing on Monday, an increased number of devotees is expected at Bhimashankar temple. Incessant rains in and around Pune had caused landslides along the road to the temple and traffic was suspended from the Khed side approach last month. Bhimashankar’s protected forests is home to the giant flying squirrel, which is the state animal of Maharashtra. The forests also have many trekking trails that are frequented by people in large numbers.

Incessant rains have also brought risks, when last month five members of a family from Pune were swept away in a water fall in Lonavala. District collector Suhas Diwase had banned the entry of tourists to such places in view of the forecast of heavy rainfall. The ban was lifted subsequently.

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories