Attention Punekars! Plastic Ban At Sinhagad Fort From June 1; Bottle Deposit System To Be Implemented
With the onset of monsoon, Sinhagad Fort has become a major tourist attraction, and there has been an increase in footfall. The Forest Department has taken a strong step towards preserving the environment and the historic Sinhagad Fort by announcing a complete ban on plastic from June 1. Tourists visiting the fort will now have to pay a deposit for the plastic bottles and bags they carry. This deposit will be refunded only if the tourists return the plastic items at designated collection points.
The decision was made following a recent survey by the district administration, which revealed that Sinhagad is the only fort in Pune district facing encroachment issues. Consequently, the District Collector had directed the Forest and Archaeology Departments to take immediate action. As part of this effort, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Deepak Pawar, held a meeting with vendors at the fort on Sunday to discuss implementation of the ban.
Tourists found littering plastic waste will face punitive action, Pawar warned. A committee of vendors has also been formed to ensure effective execution of the ban. It is worth noting that a similar initiative was announced in 2016 but failed due to a lack of cooperation from local sellers.
In a move to enhance the tourist experience, the Forest Department is also developing a mobile app dedicated to Sinhagad Fort. The app will provide real-time updates on visitor traffic, road closures, and allow online bookings. This app is expected to launch by the end of June.
The tourist season for Sinhagad kicks off in June, and the authorities hope that the combined efforts of strict enforcement and digital support will make the fort a cleaner, more tourist-friendly destination.
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