Thane bans entry to forts, waterfalls and lakes amid IMD heavy rain alert in Maharashtra

The weather agency has warned of strong winds reaching speeds of 70-80 kmph across the district. File Pic

The Thane district administration in Maharashtra has banned entry to all tourist destinations, including forts and water bodies, until further notice due to forecasts of heavy rainfall.

District Collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal issued the order on Monday under the Disaster Management Act, prohibiting entry to forts, waterfalls, dams, lakes, and rivers to prevent accidents during the monsoon season, reported PTI.

Heavy rain forecast prompts precautionary measures

Over the past three days, the district has witnessed severe waterlogging, fallen trees, and traffic congestion due to incessant rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places, with extremely heavy showers expected at isolated locations. The weather agency has also warned of strong winds reaching speeds of 70-80 kmph across the district.

Authorities cite safety concerns

Citing past monsoon-related tragedies, including landslides and drowning incidents, officials said the restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives.

Local authorities have been directed to strictly enforce the ban until further notice.

Landslide in Ratnagiri buries 5 houses; one person rescued, two trapped

Incessant heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, burying five houses and trapping residents under the debris, officials said on Tuesday.

The incident took place in the Dahivali area of Khed tehsil on Monday night after continuous rainfall battered the region. Officials said a 75-year-old woman, identified as Kalpana Shelar, was safely rescued following the landslide.

Two others, identified as Shantaram Shelar and Satish Shelar, remained trapped under the debris. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police and other emergency agencies reached the location and launched search and rescue operations.

Maharashtra minister Uday Samant visited the affected area on Tuesday morning to review the ongoing rescue efforts and assess the situation.