Travel Advisory for Pune District | Misty peaks, gushing waterfalls, and emerald-green valleys draw thousands of nature enthusiasts from nearby cities like Pune and Mumbai. Yet, beneath this beauty lies a fragile ecosystem under increasing threat from careless tourism.
To preserve the ecological balance and protect lives, the Pune Forest Division has issued an advisory ahead of the 2025 monsoon trekking season, suggest reports.
With a sharp rise in trekking-related accidents and ecological degradation reported over the past few years, officials are doubling down on enforcing responsible tourism in hotspots like Maval, Mulshi, Lonavala, and the famed trails of Bhimashankar, Kalsubai, Ratangad, and Andharban.
The monsoon transforms the Sahyadris into a visual treat and a dangerous terrain. Slippery rocks, swollen streams, and sudden landslides are not uncommon. The forest department, citing several fatal mishaps from past seasons, has stressed the importance of adequate planning and adherence to safety guidelines. Trekkers are strongly advised to travel in groups, carry rain gear and first-aid kits, avoid night treks, and inform local authorities of their itinerary whenever possible.
To ensure safer trekking experiences, prohibitory orders remain in place at specific high-risk points, and surveillance is being ramped up. Local forest officials and volunteers will patrol certain routes to guide and educate visitors on environmental and personal safety.
But it isn’t just safety that’s prompting this proactive stance. The forest department's advisory underscores how irresponsible tourism—especially littering, straying off-trails, or feeding wild animals—can disrupt fragile ecosystems. Plastic waste has become a growing concern on once-pristine routes, while the sound and activity of unregulated tourism disturb native species already stressed by climate shifts.
If you're planning a monsoon trek in or around Pune this season, here’s how you can make a positive difference:
Plan responsibly: Check weather conditions, inform others of your travel plan, and avoid overcrowded trails.
Follow the rules: Respect forest department advisories, prohibitory orders, and local instructions.
Pack sustainably: Carry reusable bottles and food containers and return all waste.
Stay aware: Be mindful of waterfalls, ridgelines, and slippery rocks. Avoid venturing into unfamiliar paths.
Do not disturb: Let wildlife be wild. Keep noise to a minimum, and don’t feed or touch animals.
(With inputs from multiple reports)
