Pune Rains | Malshej Ghat Struggles Amidst Prohibitory Order; A Blow to Tourism and Local Businesses

Pune Rains | Malshej Ghat, nestled on the Nagar-Kalyan highway, has always been a picturesque destination for tourists seeking the beauty of nature during the monsoon season. However, this year, the ghat’s lush greenery and enchanting waterfalls have been left unappreciated as a prohibitory order imposed by the Thane Collector has kept tourists at bay. The once bustling ghat, teeming with visitors, now bears a deserted look, and its impact is felt strongly by the local tribal community, whose livelihoods largely depend on monsoon tourism.

With heavy rains gracing the region daily, Malshej Ghat would typically witness a steady flow of tourists during this time of the year. This annual trend provided employment opportunities for both small and big businessmen in the area. However, the increasing incidents of landslides and accidents in the ghat have been a cause for concern. Intoxicated youths and reckless stunts have also added to the safety risks and dented the area’s tourism appeal.

In response to these mounting challenges, the Thane Collector issued a prohibitory order, restricting tourists from visiting the ghat this monsoon season. As a result, the once vibrant tourist spot now suffers from a scarcity of visitors, leaving the local tribal businessmen in dire straits. Their monsoon employment has virtually come to a halt, leading to financial hardship.

To ensure compliance with the prohibitory order, the Tokawde and Otur Police Stations are working diligently to maintain security in the region. Police personnel are closely monitoring any dangerous activities that may put visitors at risk.

Vitthal Pardhi, a local businessman in Malshej Ghat, lamented the dire situation, stating, “Due to the ban on tourists in Malshej Ghat, tourists are not ready to visit the Ghat. This has affected us small and big businessmen, and we are facing starvation time. A business started with minimal capital earns around Rs 500 per day. Now, as tourists are not roaming in the ghat, our financial budget for the whole year has collapsed as business is not getting a boost.”

The sudden dip in tourist footfall has had a significant economic impact on the region, not only affecting businesses but also leading to an overall downturn in the local economy. The tribespeople, who rely on monsoon tourism for their livelihood, are now grappling with uncertainty and financial distress.

While the prohibition order was enacted with the intention of ensuring safety and security, it has inadvertently dealt a severe blow to the livelihoods of the tribal community. Balancing the concerns of safety with the economic needs of the locals remains a challenging task for the authorities.