Maharashtra Urged to Enhance Tourist Safety Amid Monsoon Risks

Mumbai, June 17 (PTI) - Ensuring the safety of tourists during the monsoon season is crucial, with Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik advocating for the temporary closure of hazardous sites.

Her recommendations came on Monday, following a tragic incident where four picnickers died due to a bridge collapse in Pune. Saunik emphasized the importance of signage at risky tourist locations, suggesting that these spots remain closed until sufficient repairs and safety measures are in place.

Additionally, she stressed the need for action against tourists who neglect safety directives issued by authorities. These statements were made during a review meeting after the collapse of an iron bridge over the Indrayani River in Kundmala, a favored tourist site in Pune's Maval tehsil, which occurred on Sunday afternoon.

Officials including Pune Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and senior police officers attended the meeting via video link from the state secretariat in Mumbai.

Saunik remarked that the authorities must remain alert at popular tourist destinations during monsoon. To minimize life-threatening incidents, she advocated for enhanced security at potentially dangerous locations, potentially banning tourist access temporarily.

Despite precautionary measures, tourists ignoring administrative warnings should face sanctions, Saunik asserted, according to an official release. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier noted that prior warnings had been posted regarding the bridge's dilapidated condition.

Saunik directed officials to assign responsibilities area-wise to safeguard public safety, suggesting reliance on the Home Guard and National Cadet Corps (NCC) for enforcement. Additionally, the Public Works Department has been tasked with surveying bridges on roads, repairing old ones, or constructing new ones as required.

Saunik called for particular vigilance in the Pune division, anticipating increased tourist activity during monsoon. The state has experienced multiple accidents recently, including fatalities on a local Mumbai train and others, highlighting the urgency for safety measures.

She urged collaboration among agencies to preempt accidents, recommending the issuance of rail travel safety guidelines. Following the June 9 commuter fatalities in Thane district, she convened with railway and other agencies to enhance train passenger safety.

Highlighting the need for vigilance during the monsoon and festive seasons, she suggested appointing a nodal officer during this period, involving retired or expert officers for guidance. Communication platforms such as display boards, announcements, social media, FM radio, and more should disseminate safety instructions.

An alert system akin to elevator alarms should be introduced to manage train crowding. Particular attention is necessary during heavy rainfall and high tide events.

Furthermore, baggage scanners are to be installed at all railway stations, and garbage is to be promptly cleared. To combat misinformation during accidents, the dissemination of accurate information must be prioritized.

She advocated for railway officials to utilize CCTV footage and artificial intelligence in partnership with law enforcement for passenger safety measures.

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