Pune: The weekend trip is defined with frequent long drives to one of the tourist hotspot: Lonavala. This year amid COVID-19 many must have enjoyed their monsoon weekends just by enjoying rains from their home. However, before monsoon is gone, Pune district administration has decided to lift the travel ban imposed on tourist spots in Lonavala.
In a recent order issued by the District Collector of Pune Dr Rajesh Deshmukh, it has been declared that the ban on visiting Lonavala and nearby dams stands has been lifted. In June, the former District Collector Naval Kishore Ram had ordered a ban on tourist spots in all dam areas under the Disaster Management Act to curtail the further spread of the novel coronavirus.
The Pune District Collector on Wednesday lifted the ban on tourism in the dam area of Lonavala allowing tourists to visit favourite Bhushi Dam. Though the ban is lifted, the authorities have warned people to strictly follow all COVID-19 guidelines, such as wearing masks and following social distancing.
The police department of the area will also be focusing on enforcing the use of masks and ensuring that restaurants and eateries follow the guidelines. Abhinav Deshmukh, Pune rural superintendent of police talking to The Bridge Chronicle said, “Ahead of the weekend, Lonavala will be one of the prime spots for tourists. The police personnel will make sure that there is no unwarranted annoyance of the residents or from the tourists during the enforcement.”
“As the ban is lifted, people will flock to Lonavala. The state government has already issued guidelines for restaurants and cafes which is mandatory to follow. However, strict action will be taken against those flouting the norms," he informed.
Local train services in Pune have already started operating but only those working in Maharashtra government and people associated with the private health sector can use the service. Ever since the COVID-19 induced lockdown was imposed, train operations in the Pune city had stopped functioning.
