Pune: Prohibitory Orders and Significant Traffic Changes Enforced in Lonavala & Maval Till August 31 to Ensure Monsoon Safety

Pune News, 11th June 2025: To ensure the safety of tourists and maintain public order during the monsoon season, the Pune District Administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023 in Lonavala and Maval taluka. The directive, issued by District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority Chairman Jitendra Dudi, will remain effective until August 31, 2025.

High-Risk Tourist Zones Under Scrutiny

Lonavala and its surrounding areas, including Ekvira Devi Temple, Karla Caves, Bhaje Caves and Waterfall, Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort, Tiger Point, Lion’s Point, Shivling Point, and Pawana Dam, witness heavy tourist footfall during monsoons. However, the region is prone to waterlogging, landslides, and flash floods, necessitating preemptive measures.

Strict Restrictions Imposed

The order prohibits the following activities:

• Entering or swimming in fast-flowing water bodies
• Visiting or sitting under waterfalls
• Taking selfies near dangerous spots like cliffs, valley edges, or ghat turns
• Consuming, carrying, or selling alcohol near waterfalls
• Rash driving, unsafe parking, or overtaking on narrow turns
• Littering, dumping plastic waste, or non-biodegradable materials
• Playing loud music, using DJ systems, or causing noise pollution
• Any act leading to air, water, or noise pollution

Additionally, harassment, inappropriate behavior, or obscenity towards women in public spaces is strictly banned.

Vehicle Restrictions

The entry of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and six-wheelers near waterfalls, dams, and rivers has been restricted. Only essential service vehicles will be permitted during the enforcement period.

Key Traffic Changes:

• Traffic from Bhaje village to Malavli-Karla is closed. Instead, vehicles must use the Bhaje–Patan Bridge–Devle–Aundhe–Kusgaon–Lonavala service road route to reach the old highway or Expressway.
• Aundhe–Devle Road to Malavli–Bhaje is also closed. Vehicles should instead take Aundhe–Lonavala–Karla Phata–Malavli–Bhaje route.
• Traffic from Malavli and Sadapur to Karla is restricted. Alternate route: Malavli–Sadapur–Vaksai Phata–Old Highway.
• From Vaksai Phata to Sadapur–Malavli, vehicles must now go via Karla Phata–Malavli–Patan–Maje.
• The Bhaje–Lohagad road is now one-way for vehicles going toward Lohagad.
• Four-wheelers from Lohagad heading to Pune or Mumbai must take Lohagad–Dudhivare–Aundholi–Aundhe or via Pawna Nagar to connect to the old or new Expressways.
• Two- and three-wheelers should follow Lohagad–Dudhivare–Aundhe Bridge–Kusgaon–Lonavala–Old Pune-Mumbai Highway route.
• Heavy vehicles are prohibited on the Karla Phata to Wehergaon stretch of the old Pune-Mumbai road during this period.

These traffic changes do not apply to local residents, the order states.

Legal Consequences for Violations

Violators will face strict legal action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023. The administration urges tourists and locals to adhere to the guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a safe monsoon season.