After Deadly Bridge Collapse, Maharashtra Orders Closure of Unsafe Monsoon Hotspots

Mumbai: A day after a tragic bridge collapse in Pune’s Maval tehsil claimed the lives of four picnickers, Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik has directed authorities to enforce strict safety measures across the state’s tourist hotspots during the ongoing monsoon season.

In a high-level meeting convened to assess the situation following the Indrayani River bridge collapse at Kundmala, Saunik emphasized the need for proactive closure of vulnerable locations. She instructed district administrations to temporarily ban entry to sites deemed unsafe and to prioritize citizen safety over tourism during the rains.

The 32-year-old pedestrian bridge, located at a popular riverside location, had already been marked unsafe by local authorities with caution boards installed. The incident has highlighted lapses in public compliance and enforcement.

Top officials from Pune division — including Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and municipal and police leaders — joined the video conference to outline response plans. Saunik called for area-wise accountability, involving Home Guards and NCC cadets for effective on-ground monitoring and crowd control.

The Public Works Department has been instructed to carry out urgent structural surveys of all public bridges and roads, focusing on the ageing infrastructure across the state. Pune, a major hub of monsoon tourism, is to receive particular attention due to high footfall and past incidents.

The chief secretary also raised concerns about safety on public transport. Citing the June 9 Thane train tragedy where four commuters died after falling off an overcrowded local train, she called for immediate coordination between agencies to enhance rail and metro security, especially during festivals and peak monsoon days.

In a parallel meeting with railway, metro, police, and civic officials, Saunik proposed installing baggage scanners, developing crowd alert systems, and issuing guidelines for commuters during weather emergencies. She also suggested using AI-powered CCTV networks in collaboration with law enforcement to monitor and respond to crises in real time.

Additionally, she stressed the importance of verified information during accidents, urging all departments to create systems that deliver accurate and timely updates to the public, minimizing panic and curbing misinformation.