Due to the ongoing heavy rains in Pune city and surrounding ghat areas, authorities have raised concerns over the increased risk of landslides. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall over the next few days, prompting precautionary measures by the administration.
In view of citizen safety and as part of a government disaster prevention inspection, the Sinhagad Fort will remain closed for tourism on May 29, the Forest Department has announced. This temporary closure is intended to facilitate a government inspection of disaster preparedness at the site during the monsoon season.
Officials have also noted that tourist footfall has increased due to the holidays and rainy weather, particularly for trekking. Entry to the fort via Kalyan Darwaza, Atkarwadi, and all other routes has been strictly prohibited until further notice. The administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with safety measures during this period.
As soon as pre-monsoon showers hit the district, Punekars take their bikes and cars out and head towards Mulshi, Sinhagad Fort, the Khadakwasla cluster dams, and Lonavala-Mahabaleshwar.
Now, on this weekend, the Sinhagad Fort road saw traffic snarls stretching from Sinhagad Road to the foothill of the fort. Meanwhile, the Mulshi road towards Tamhini saw huge traffic snarls due to the overturning of a tempo carrying hydrochloric acid. Meanwhile, the traffic jams near Lonavala and Khandala halted commuters going to the hill stations. Those going to Mahabaleshwar saw huge traffic snarls from Navale Bridge, even on the roads, due to damage caused by recent rain and ongoing construction.
