Sixteen tourists, including five children, sustained injuries after being attacked by a swarm of honeybees at Shivneri Fort, the historic birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, located near Junnar in Pune district. The incident occurred on the morning of April 20 near the Hatti Talav area, a popular spot within the fort complex.
According to eyewitnesses and forest officials, the swarm of Apis dorsata honeybees suddenly attacked the group of visitors around 11:30 am. The aggressive bees, known for fiercely defending their hives, appeared to have been disturbed, possibly due to visitors inadvertently approaching or provoking the hive area.
Among the injured were five children, highlighting the vulnerability of young tourists to such unexpected natural hazards. The victims suffered multiple bee stings, with some experiencing allergic reactions requiring immediate medical attention.
The forest department and Junnar rescue teams acted swiftly upon receiving the distress call. A coordinated rescue operation was launched to evacuate the injured tourists from the steep and rugged terrain of the fort. Rescue personnel faced challenges navigating the narrow pathways while carrying the victims down safely.
Medical teams stationed at the fort’s base provided first aid, including anti-allergic injections and wound treatment. The seriously injured were transported to the government hospital in Junnar for further care. Forest officer Pradip Chavan confirmed that all injured were stable and receiving appropriate treatment.
Shivneri Fort has witnessed multiple bee attacks in recent months, with incidents in February and March 2025 injuring dozens of visitors. The fort’s terrain, with its dense vegetation and cliff overhangs, provides ideal nesting spots for the Apis dorsata species. Despite warning signs installed at various locations, bee attacks continue to pose a safety risk to tourists. Authorities have urged visitors to remain cautious, avoid disturbing hives, and follow forest department guidelines.
Shivneri Fort holds immense historical and cultural significance as the birthplace of the legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort attracts hundreds of tourists daily, especially during commemorative events and holidays. The recent honeybee attack underscores the need for enhanced visitor safety protocols, including better signage, guided tours to avoid high-risk areas, and emergency preparedness for natural hazards.
The forest department is actively monitoring the bee populations and planning to deploy additional safety measures, such as controlled smoke deterrents near hives and awareness campaigns for visitors. Collaboration with local rescue teams ensures rapid response in emergencies. Officials also emphasize the ecological importance of the honeybees, which play a critical role in pollination and maintaining biodiversity in the region. The goal is to balance conservation with visitor safety effectively.