Mumbai, June 17, 2025 — In the wake of a series of tragic monsoon-related incidents, Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik has ordered the temporary closure of all tourist locations deemed high-risk across the state. The decision follows Sunday’s fatal collapse of an iron pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River in Pune’s Maval tehsil, which claimed the lives of four picnickers and sparked urgent calls for preventive action.
During a high-level virtual meeting with district collectors and municipal commissioners, Saunik emphasized that public safety must remain paramount during the monsoon season. She directed local administrations to not only shut down vulnerable sites but also install visible warning signage and deploy security personnel at potentially hazardous locations. Strict penalties were also recommended for those violating safety guidelines.
Monsoon tourism peaks in regions like Pune, Lonavala, and other hill stations, drawing thousands of visitors to waterfalls, riversides, and forts. With the surge in footfall, Saunik instructed officials to collaborate with Home Guards and National Cadet Corps (NCC) units for crowd control and on-ground emergency coordination.
Beyond tourism, the Chief Secretary also addressed rising concerns over commuter safety, particularly after four individuals were killed in separate rail-related incidents in Thane district. Calling for tighter coordination between the Railways, Metro authorities, and civic agencies, she proposed several reforms including the appointment of nodal safety officers, installation of baggage scanners at stations, use of sirens in overcrowded coaches, and implementation of AI-driven CCTV monitoring systems.
Saunik also stressed the importance of clear, timely communication during emergencies to combat misinformation and reduce panic. Her directives follow Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s earlier remarks confirming that the bridge involved in the recent Pune tragedy had already been flagged as unsafe and barricaded.
As part of broader safety reforms, the Public Works Department has now been asked to undertake urgent surveys and assessments of old bridges and related infrastructure. Repair or reconstruction work will be prioritized to avert further disasters.
The state government is expected to release comprehensive monsoon safety guidelines shortly to safeguard tourists, daily commuters, and residents alike.
