In response to growing safety hazards and environmental degradation linked to surging monsoon tourism, the Pune district administration has announced a slot-booking system for 25 popular tourist destinations. District Collector Jitendra Dudi stated that the initiative, led by the Forest Department as the nodal agency, aims to manage overcrowding, reduce ecological strain, and prevent accidents, particularly on weekends and holidays. Tourists will soon be required to book time slots via a mobile app currently under development. The district planning committee has sanctioned a ₹50 crore budget for the app and related infrastructure.
Tourism Surge Triggers Controls Amid Safety and Ecological Concerns
The system will be implemented at high-footfall areas in Mulshi, Maval, Bhor, Rajgad, Khed, Junnar, and Ambegaon, where waterfalls and forest trails have recently seen overwhelming visitor numbers. For example, over 6,000 people trekked the Andharban forest trail on a single day in June, forcing officials to halt entry. Similar congestion has occurred at Sinhagad Fort, Rajgad, and Tamhini Ghat, leading to traffic snarls and increased landslide risks.
Environmentalists have raised alarms about biodiversity loss and human-wildlife conflict, especially during breeding seasons. The decision to introduce digital controls follows recent tragedies, including the June 15 collapse of the Kund Mala bridge, which killed four due to overcrowding. In its aftermath, 63 unsafe bridges were dismantled, and authorities recommended visitor limits and digital tracking.
Tech-Driven Entry System to Ensure Safe, Sustainable Tourism in Pune
Each tourist site will have controlled entry points, with capacities determined by ecological sensitivity and safety norms. Forest officials and local volunteers will oversee operations, pausing access when limits are exceeded. Supporting infrastructure like ticket counters, turnstiles, signage, and visitor centres will also be added.
The system is expected to support local livelihoods by ensuring stable tourist flow and avoiding sudden closures. Areas like Andharban and Kundalika Valley will remain closed until the system is fully implemented. Violators accessing restricted areas will face legal action. Pune thus sets a pioneering example of balancing public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism through a tech-driven approach.
Summary:
To tackle overcrowding and ecological damage from rising monsoon tourism, Pune will introduce a slot-booking system across 25 hotspots. Tourists must pre-book via a new app. With ₹50 crore allocated, the initiative ensures safety, preserves biodiversity, and supports local livelihoods through controlled access, digital tracking, and improved infrastructure.
