The Utterances of a Peculiar Mindset

This was the news in yesterday's "Times of India"


PUNE: In a bid to restore sanctity and serenity of Sinhagad fort, the city’s favourite picnic spot, the forest department has decided to enforce a strict ban on smoking, drinking and meat-consumption there from March 27.

The department has organised a unique exhibition a lecture series at the to flag off the ban. "The beautiful and historic surroundings of Sinhagad fort increasingly witnessing drunken, unruly behaviour misguided youths. As a result, the number of family visitors is dwindling. Sinhagad is also the place of Tanaji’s martyrdom. Its sanctity and environment have to be preserved at all costs," said B.M. Thube, range forest officer.

Thube noticed the unwelcome trend over the last two years and proposed the ban. Higher authorities cleared and eventually the state government issued an order enforce the ban, Thube told TNN.

"Even venturing into forest land around the fort is illegal. The law is so strict, you cannot take a matchbox into the forest area for the fear of starting a fire. We have hitherto taken a lenient view but no more.

Even the locals are upset with the visitors now, because of their obscene behaviour," said Thube.

"These couples in love, looking for seclusion, use the Sinhagad trek like an escape. Anti-social elements take advantage of this and attack them," pointed out Ravi Shankar, a development activist who has been working closely with the forest department.

The ban is being introduced to coincide with the World Forest Week celebrations. Considering the fort attracts maximum number visitors on Sunday, the department has organised an exhibition on rare herbs and plants of Sinhagad, with help from Kanchanganga Gandhe of the Modern college. Thube and activist Nana Balkawde will address the gathering on the occasion. Balasaheb Parge of the agricultural produce marketing committee will speak on the ill effects of smoking, drinking and meat-consumption. One of the food stall owners from the fort will also speak.