New Delhi: The Thane district administration in Maharashtra has enforced an immediate ban on public access to all tourist locations, including water bodies and historical forts, in response to severe weather forecasts.

District Collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal issued the directive on Monday under the Disaster Management Act, strictly prohibiting entry to waterfalls, dams, lakes, rivers, and fort sites to mitigate the risk of accidents during the monsoon season.

The region has been struggling with the aftermath of adverse weather over the last three days, which has resulted in significant waterlogging, uprooted trees, and widespread traffic disruption.

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The India Meteorological Department has issued a high-level warning for the district, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated areas expected to experience extremely intense downpours. These conditions are anticipated to be accompanied by gale-force winds gusting between 70 and 80 kmph.

Officials highlighted that the decision is a proactive safety measure intended to prevent tragedies such as drownings and landslides, which have occurred during previous monsoon seasons. Local authorities have been instructed to ensure the restrictions are rigorously upheld.

With inputs from PTI