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Lonavala Imposes Section 144 At Dams & Other Tourist Spots To Prevent Overcrowding

by Tania Tarafdar
Lonavala Imposes Section 144 At Dams & Other Tourist Spots To Prevent Overcrowding

After the unlock, many popular monsoon destinations saw a surge in tourists. Lonavala also witnessed a huge crowd so much so that the administration had to shut tourist spots due to overcrowding. As a result, safety precautions such as social distancing could not be followed in the hill station. The administration has also put up posters near Mumbai-Pune Expressway and tourist spots so that visitors know they are shut. They have also warned of action against rule-breakers under Disaster Management Act 2005 and IPC Section 188.

Despite the restrictions, thousands of tourists from Pune and Mumbai made made their way to the dams, forts, and waterfalls in Lonavala. However, they were turned away as the administration imposed a curfew with a 1-km radius of popular tourist spots to avert overcrowding. Section 144 was imposed at these popular spots and tourists were asked to take a U-turn and return to where they came from.

You Will Need An E-Pass To Visit Lonavala

With the second wave and the travelling restrictions, Lonavala could be a far-fetched dream this monsoon for most Mumbaikars and Punekars. However, if you are still planning to go for a drive to Lonavala, you will need an e-pass. The local police at popular Maharashtra hill station has limited the entry to only those with e-passes. If you travel without an e-pass you will be charged a fine of ₹1000.

Pay A Fine Of ₹1000 If You Travel Without An E-Pass

Lonavala has always seen massive crowds during the monsoon and this year too is no exception. Just like 2020, crowds and traffic jammed the streets of Lonavala over the weekend. It was quite a task for the local police to control the traffic as a result of which they have blocked the entry and exit points with nakabandi.

According to reports, Senior Inspector Milind Pawar of Lonavala police said, “Only people having e-passes will be allowed to come to Lonavala. We have imposed a strict nakabandi at all entry and exit points in Lonavala. We have a staff strength of 40 and have placed requests to provide 15 more personnel for nakabandi.”

Also read: Ditch Lonavala For These 5 Secluded & Gorgeous Getaways Near Mumbai Amid Rising COVID Cases

Hotels, Resorts & Villas Fully Booked In Lonavala

People travelling to Lonavala without an e-pass are first being fined and only then allowed to enter the hill station. Mask-less people in vehicles are fined ₹500. Despite the second wave, most hotels, resorts and bungalows in Lonavala are fully booked. Also, the number of people driving to the hill station in the morning and leaving at night has increased considerably. Try Falcon Hill In Lonavala For A Perfect Staycation.

Also read: Ditch Lonavala & Visit Chiplun, A Town 5 Hours From Mumbai Surrounded By Green Vistas 

You can apply for an e-pass online on covid19.mhpolice.in. Your application will then be sent to the local police jurisdiction for processing depending on your place of origin.