Pune: Heavy Tourist Influx Forces Closure of Andharban Forest Trek Amid Safety Concerns

Overwhelming Turnout Strains Trek’s Capacity

According to forest authorities, the past two days saw an alarming turnout of 5,000 to 6,000 visitors at the trek’s entry point—far exceeding its carrying capacity. The situation escalated rapidly on Sunday morning, with tourists gathering as early as 9 am. By 11:30 am, the crowd near the ticket counter had swelled to unmanageable levels, raising fears of a potential stampede.

In response, officials closed the ticket window by noon and restricted entry to only 3,000 trekkers, allowing them to proceed in controlled batches. The remaining visitors were turned away for safety reasons.

Logistical Challenges and Environmental Concerns

Range Forest Officer (Andharban Division) stated, “The sudden crowd surge posed serious logistical issues. We had to close entry by noon to prevent any untoward incident.”

Given the dense forest terrain and narrow pathways, officials struggled with crowd control, heightening concerns over accidents and damage to the fragile ecosystem. The Andharban trek, a monsoon favorite, has seen a sharp rise in visitors, leading to trail erosion and littering issues.

Revised Entry Rules and Visitor Advisory

To manage future crowds, officials confirmed that entry will now be routinely closed after 2 pm, with earlier shutdowns if numbers spike. The forest department has urged trekkers to opt for weekday visits to avoid congestion and ensure a safer experience.

With the monsoon season attracting more nature enthusiasts, authorities emphasize responsible tourism to preserve the trail’s natural beauty and prevent accidents.