Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe has instructed the authorities to implement safety measures for the tourists visiting the Lonavala region and fulfill the basic facilities for them.
While speaking at a review meeting held at the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) guest house in Lonavala on Monday, she discussed the safety measures at the picnic spots.
Gorhe highlighted that Lonavala is known for its cool climate and popular sites like Karla caves and Ekvira Devi temple. To curb the unwanted accidents like dog bites, snake bites, bee and bat attacks and also illegal activities, including narcotics and alcohol, preventive measures should be taken, she said.
Gorhe stated that these issues need to be addressed as soon as possible before the monsoon. The first aid facilities, police assistance, cleanliness, pollution control and cracking down on the illegal sales of gutka and drugs in the area should be of top priority, she added.
Awareness campaigns should be launched to inform tourists about safety measures. Additionally, Lonavala police have launched a helpline number (9850112400) for urban areas and 9146032971 for the rural region. Tourists could call on these particular numbers in case of any help and assistance, added Gorhe.
She also urged the Lonavala Municipal Council to work in the direction of making sustainable development goals, including water recharge, solar energy generation and environmental awareness for pollution control, and to prevent diseases like dengue, etc.
Furthermore, PWD needs to install nets on windows in government buildings and rest houses in the region, she concluded.
During the meeting, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Amol Mandve, Additional Executive Engineer of MSEDCL Prashant Gade, Naib Tehsildar Amol Patil, Lonavala City Police Inspector Suhas Jagtap, Rural Police Inspector Kishor Dhumal, Taluka Health Officer Dr. Sharan Sonawane, Municipal Administration Officer Santosh Khade, and Water Supply Engineer Yashwant Munde, among others were present.
