Pune: NGT Demands Forest Dept Enforce Rules Or Scrap Firefly Festival

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a warning to the Forest Department over the unchecked crowds and environmental damage caused during Maharashtra's popular Firefly Festival. The NGT has made it clear that if the festival is to continue, tourists must first be disciplined and strict measures must be enforced to protect the forest’s biodiversity.

The tribunal issued the direction based on the recommendations of the Forest Department and Maharashtra Tourism Directorate, both of which raised ecological concerns over unregulated tourism during the fireflies’ season from mid-May to mid-June every year.

The NGT was alerted to the destruction caused by tourists who flock to areas like Kalsubai, Harishchandragad, Bhimashankar, Rajmachi, Malshej Ghat, Bhandardara, and private forest zones to witness the glowing spectacle of fireflies.

What began as a celebration of nature has increasingly become a threat to it. Hundreds of tourists gather in the forest at night, often indulging in drinking, blasting loud music, and carelessly trampling over grasslands and undergrowth. Many shine torches and vehicle lights on trees, disrupting the natural habitat of fireflies. Littering and noise pollution have further endangered the fragile ecosystem.

During a hearing, environmentalist and researcher Milind Thackeray presented evidence of biodiversity loss due to the festival. Following this, the NGT asked the Forest and Tourism Departments to submit a detailed report on the organisation, regulation and sustainability of the event.

Key directives from the NGT

In its latest order, the tribunal emphasised sustainable eco-tourism and issued several guidelines:

- Regulate Entry: Only one entry point should be used to monitor tourists. Registration, contact details and ID proof should be mandatory for entry.

- Control Vehicle Access: Limit vehicle movement to certain areas to avoid overcrowding and reduce ecological disturbance.

- Designate Forest Routes: Predefine specific trails and restrict access to sensitive forest zones.

- Eco-Friendly Barriers: Temporary barriers must be installed to stop visitors from venturing too close to trees inhabited by fireflies.

- Public Involvement: An Eco Development Committee with public participation should be formed to manage and oversee the festival's sustainability.

Petitioner speaks

“It was never about shutting down the festival,” clarified petitioner Ganesh Bohade. “The intention was to push authorities to take the issue seriously and implement necessary rules. The NGT has rightly stressed the need to discipline tourists. Now it’s up to the Forest Department to act," he added.

Meanwhile, a report reveals that the Forest Department has registered 24 wildlife crimes and treated 35 wild animals over the past 18 months in Pune district. The presence of an illegal wildlife smuggling network in the region has also come to light, making it all the more urgent to preserve and protect forested areas from further harm.