3 days Ago By Sandip Dighe
Pune: Villagers and social organizations in Junnar tehsil have demanded action from the forest department to prevent recurring bee attacks on tourists at local forts and caves, highlighting the lack of adequate measures to protect people from such attacks. The issue became more pressing after a bee attack at Shivneri Fort on March 16, which left over 40 tourists injured, and another incident in Junnar, where a honey bee attack injured more than 100 tourists. "Every year, hundreds of tourists get stung by bees while visiting the caves and forts.
We have not reported any casualties so far, but it has become a major concern for us. Therefore, concrete steps need to be taken by the forest department to address this concern. Otherwise, it will have an adverse impact on tourism," said an official of the Sahyadri Giribramhan Sanstha, a Junnar-based social organisation.
The organisation has already submitted a memorandum to the Junnar forest division after the recent bee attack incidents. There are several forts, including Shivneri and Jivdhan, as well as ancient cave temples located on four hills on the outskirts of Junnar town. These caves are among the largest and most beautiful in the country, attracting tourists from abroad throughout the year.
"It has become essential for visitors to follow some restrictions at these places, considering the high number of beehives in the area." the official said. The Junnar forest range has decided to conduct a drone survey to identify beehives at the forts and caves in the range.
"We have decided to involve organisations working in bee conservation. We are also looking to procure bee protective suits to conduct rescue operations at these spots. At present, we do not have this arrangement, hampering rescue operations.
Plans are also afoot on framing a long-term strategy to tackle the issue," Pradip Chavan, the range forest officer of the Junnar forest range, told TOI. The villagers said ambulances should be kept on standby at these places to provide medical assistance to the victims. "The forest department should conduct awareness campaigns for the visitors to take necessary precautions before visiting these places to prevent such incidents," said Junnar resident Dada Rokade.
Suresh Kulal, a teacher at the local school, said, "The forest department should ensure necessary safety measures for the visitors, including awareness and caution boards at strategic locations." GRAPHIC With screenshots and quotes Bee disturbances at these sites are often caused by strong perfumes, bright clothing and loud noises. The visitors using mobile torches while exploring caves can startle bees too, as the sudden burst of light in the darkness disrupts their hives, which are typically located on rocky cliffs.
It's essential for the visitors to recognize their role in preserving the surrounding ecosystem and take steps to minimise their impact, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all — an official from the Sahyadri Giribramhan Sanstha. We have decided to involve organisations working in bee conservation. We are also looking to procure bee protective suits to conduct rescue operations at these spots.
At present, we do not have this arrangement, hampering rescue operations. Plans are also afoot on framing a long-term strategy to tackle the issue — Pradip Chavan, the range forest officer of the Junnar forest range Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Navratri Wishes , Eid Messages and quotes !.
