MLA Urges Immediate Action for Tourist Safety at Rajgad Fort
Rising concerns over tourist safety at Rajgad Fort, one of Maharashtra's most iconic historical monuments, have prompted a strong demand for the immediate deployment of emergency medical facilities and trained rescue teams at the site. Bhor–Rajgad–Mulshi MLA Shankar Mandekar has urgently called upon the Pune district administration to establish a permanent emergency healthcare mechanism and comprehensive rescue infrastructure at the fort, citing recent tragic incidents involving tourists.
Recent Tragedies Highlight Critical Gaps
The issue gained significant urgency after two tourists reportedly died of cardiac arrest at Rajgad Fort over the past three weeks. These incidents have raised serious questions about the preparedness to handle medical emergencies at high-altitude heritage sites. The remote terrain, steep climbs, and limited accessibility significantly delay medical assistance during emergencies, creating a dangerous situation for visitors.
"There is a glaring lack of primary healthcare facilities, emergency medical response systems and immediate rescue pathways at Rajgad," said MLA Mandekar. "With thousands of tourists visiting the fort, especially during weekends and monsoon months, this gap poses a serious risk to lives."
Tourist Surge Without Safety Infrastructure
Rajgad, the historic capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has witnessed a sharp increase in tourist footfall in recent years, particularly after its inclusion in the list of UNESCO globally recognized heritage sites. However, the surge in visitors has not been matched by the availability of basic medical facilities or emergency response systems, according to both local residents and the MLA.
Mandekar has submitted a written memorandum to Pune Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Gajanan Patil, seeking urgent intervention. The proposal includes:
- Installation of a dedicated emergency medical unit at the fort
- Deployment of trained rescue personnel equipped to handle accidents and medical emergencies
- Posting of healthcare staff, police personnel, and a disaster response unit on a permanent basis
- Provision of ambulances, communication systems, and advanced life-saving equipment
Challenges of Rugged Terrain
Zilla Parishad officials acknowledged that the rugged geography of Rajgad makes emergency response particularly challenging. In the absence of on-site medical facilities, victims often have to be carried down manually for several hours before reaching the nearest hospital, significantly reducing chances of survival in critical situations.
Tourism experts and local residents have echoed the demand for improved safety measures, pointing out that similar heritage and trekking destinations across the country have implemented structured safety and medical response systems. They emphasize that modern rescue and evacuation tools are essential to ensure rapid response during critical situations at this popular tourist destination.
The call for action comes as Pune district authorities face increasing pressure to balance heritage tourism with visitor safety. ZP CEO Gajanan Patil did not respond to phone calls regarding the matter, leaving the timeline for implementation uncertain as tourist numbers continue to grow at this historic site.
