Pune: Overcrowding at popular forts in the state during monsoon has become a matter of concern for the authorities.A large crowd had recently gathered at Harihar Fort in Nashik, sparking safety concerns. Video footage that surfaced on social media showed visitors navigating slippery stone steps with little room for movement. Some individuals were seen sitting on the edge of the gorge, ignoring safety warnings.A senior forest officer from Western Forest Division told TOI, “Restrictions have been imposed on visiting popular trekking destinations and waterfalls in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar forest ranges to prevent accidents during the monsoon.”“Entry to locations such as Harihar Fort, Anjaneri, and Brahmagiri has been prohibited after 2 pm to prevent any untoward incident till the monsoon ends. We decided to allow only 300 visitors in the first phase,” added the officer.Similar overcrowding issues were reported from several other forts in the state since the first week of June. Experts have warned that the situation could worsen if timely measures are not implemented.Umesh Zirpe, an experienced trekker, said, “The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous at each fort in the state. Deaths during such treks are on the rise every year.”“We need an effective mechanism in place to control the menace of overcrowding. Otherwise, we are just waiting for another major tragedy to happen. Every year, around ten people die while trekking,” added Zirpe, who is the founder and president of Gripremi Adventure Foundation.Forts such as Raigad, Pratapgad, Ajinkyatara in Satara, Torna, Rajgad, Tung, Sinhagad, Lohegad, Tikona, and others in Junnar tehsils are popular trekking destinations for amateur trekkers and visitors, particularly in the monsoon.The scenery near these forts during monsoon is extremely alluring, and hence, those who are not acquainted with the local conditions also organise treks without any preparation. As a result, they often get lost due to heavy rainfall and foggy conditions.Tejas Garge, the director of Maharashtra Archaeology and Museum, told TOI, “We are carrying out an analysis of the carrying capacity of each prominent fort listed as UNESCO heritage. Private consultant agencies will also be appointed for other forts across the state. Once we have this information, we will be able to decide how many visitors we can allow in a day.”To monitor and ensure effective implementation, we have also planned to appoint security personnel from the state security agency at each fort. They will control the crowd and look after security and safety aspects at each location, he said.“We have planed to implement these measures with the help of state forest department and respective district and police authorities to prevent any untoward incident in future,” Garge added.There are several trek trails in and around Lonavala, Tamhini Ghat section, near Bhimashankar in Ambegaon, and Naneghat in Junnar tehsil. Many people do not even carry basic safety equipment and clothes to safeguard themselves in the event of an emergency, said experts.Although the district administration prohibits entry every season, thousands of people go to forts and on trekking trails.“Poor enforcement of the order by the forest department and police is also one of the contributory factors behind overcrowding,” said Keshav Tengle, a regular trekker.Pune: Overcrowding at popular forts in the state during monsoon has become a matter of concern for the authorities.A large crowd had recently gathered at Harihar Fort in Nashik, sparking safety concerns. Video footage that surfaced on social media showed visitors navigating slippery stone steps with little room for movement. Some individuals were seen sitting on the edge of the gorge, ignoring safety warnings.A senior forest officer from Western Forest Division told TOI, “Restrictions have been imposed on visiting popular trekking destinations and waterfalls in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar forest ranges to prevent accidents during the monsoon.”“Entry to locations such as Harihar Fort, Anjaneri, and Brahmagiri has been prohibited after 2 pm to prevent any untoward incident till the monsoon ends. We decided to allow only 300 visitors in the first phase,” added the officer.Similar overcrowding issues were reported from several other forts in the state since the first week of June. Experts have warned that the situation could worsen if timely measures are not implemented.Umesh Zirpe, an experienced trekker, said, “The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous at each fort in the state. Deaths during such treks are on the rise every year.”“We need an effective mechanism in place to control the menace of overcrowding. Otherwise, we are just waiting for another major tragedy to happen. Every year, around ten people die while trekking,” added Zirpe, who is the founder and president of Gripremi Adventure Foundation.Forts such as Raigad, Pratapgad, Ajinkyatara in Satara, Torna, Rajgad, Tung, Sinhagad, Lohegad, Tikona, and others in Junnar tehsils are popular trekking destinations for amateur trekkers and visitors, particularly in the monsoon.The scenery near these forts during monsoon is extremely alluring, and hence, those who are not acquainted with the local conditions also organise treks without any preparation. As a result, they often get lost due to heavy rainfall and foggy conditions.Tejas Garge, the director of Maharashtra Archaeology and Museum, told TOI, “We are carrying out an analysis of the carrying capacity of each prominent fort listed as UNESCO heritage. Private consultant agencies will also be appointed for other forts across the state. Once we have this information, we will be able to decide how many visitors we can allow in a day.”To monitor and ensure effective implementation, we have also planned to appoint security personnel from the state security agency at each fort. They will control the crowd and look after security and safety aspects at each location, he said.“We have planed to implement these measures with the help of state forest department and respective district and police authorities to prevent any untoward incident in future,” Garge added.There are several trek trails in and around Lonavala, Tamhini Ghat section, near Bhimashankar in Ambegaon, and Naneghat in Junnar tehsil. Many people do not even carry basic safety equipment and clothes to safeguard themselves in the event of an emergency, said experts.Although the district administration prohibits entry every season, thousands of people go to forts and on trekking trails.“Poor enforcement of the order by the forest department and police is also one of the contributory factors behind overcrowding,” said Keshav Tengle, a regular trekker.
