Tourists defy safety norms, throng Sinhagad fort in Pune on weekend

The forest department officials, meanwhile, said they will start taking action against violators soon

As tourist places open its door for public after almost nine months (on December 8) people made a beeline at Sinhagad fort on weekend, however many were see flouting the Covid-19 safety norms.

The heavy traffic of four-wheelers forced the forest department to spot traffic some four kilometres before Sinhagad fort and upon clearance of congestion on the hilltop allowed the cars to proceed. (Ravindra Joshi/HT PHOTO)

Anil Hole, senior citizen, who had scaled the fort since early morning said, “I use to come with the morning group of trekkers but we had stopped coming here due to the restrictions. As the ban has been lifted, I decided to hit the trail and it is an enjoyable experience. However, I request the tourists to follow social distancing norms and wear a face mask as it is in their interest.

Aniruddha Pandit, a tourist who had come with his family, said, “The forest department is taking good steps and allowing a limited number of four-wheelers so that there is chaos at the peak of the fort.”

“I have come here to enjoy the scenic beauty of the fort after a long time,” he said.

Kailas Kulkarni, an avid trekker who works with a private firm said, “It was a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for us.”

The forest department officials, meanwhile, said they will start taking action against violators soon.

Deepak Pawar, range forest officer, said, “We will initiate action soon. The first three to four days are being utilised to spread awareness among masses. We will start taking action against those violating norms soon.”

The revellers had arrived in two and four-wheelers early in the morning (on Saturday). The heavy traffic of four-wheelers forced the forest department to spot traffic some four kilometres before Sinhagad fort and upon clearance of congestion on the hilltop allowed the cars to proceed.

However, the policemen meant to enforce discipline were completely missing from the site with the forest department and local villagers committee enforcing rules on its depleted strength of six persons and a few forest guards. The forest guards, however, provided necessary directions and assistance to the visitors with dedication and zeal.

Balasaheb Jiwade, forest guard, said, “We are taking all necessary steps at the fort. The village volunteers are assisting the forest department in smooth conduct of release of tourist cars so that there is no overcrowding. We have received a good response from the citizens and they are co-operating with the norms of the state government.”

Jiwade and four volunteers are manning the traffic at the entrance of Sinhagad fort.

Pawar said that policemen are summoned only when there is a very heavy rush of tourists and if there is traffic jam in the ghat section.