Pune To Introduce Time-Slot Entry at Tourist Spots To Tackle Overtourism

With overtourism posing serious challenges across the globe, many governments and local authorities are introducing targeted measures to manage crowd surges and safeguard natural environments. In a similar effort, the Pune district administration is implementing a slot-booking system at 25 popular tourist spots to tackle increasing safety concerns and environmental strain brought on by a sharp rise in monsoon tourism.As per reports, District Collector Jitendra Dudi stated that the slot-booking system aims to manage tourist flow, enhance safety, and protect the environment—especially during weekends and public holidays, when crowd levels are at their peak.The Forest Department, serving as the nodal agency, is currently developing a mobile app that will make advance slot reservations mandatory for visitors. To facilitate the digital implementation and related infrastructure, the district planning committee has approved a budget of INR 50 crore.Tech-Enabled Booking SystemThe Pune district administration is rolling out a digital slot-booking system to manage crowding at 25 popular monsoon destinations to curb overtourism. Picturesque areas across talukas like Mulshi, Maval, Bhor, Rajgad, Khed, Junnar, and Ambegaon have experienced a dramatic increase in footfall in recent years. Waterfalls, forest trails, and trekking routes now draw thousands of visitors every weekend—often far exceeding the sites’ ecological and safety limits.How The New System Will WorkThe new system will require tourists to pre-book time slots for specific destinations through a mobile application currently being developed by the Forest Department. Entry points at these sites will be equipped with monitoring infrastructure and staffed by Forest Department personnel and local volunteers. Slot capacities will be tailored to each site's environmental sensitivity and safety thresholds.Real-time tracking will allow authorities to suspend access temporarily if footfall exceeds safe limits. In addition to digital controls, physical infrastructure—including ticket counters, turnstiles, signboards, and visitor information centres—will be established to support smooth operation.The Forest Department will jointly manage the system with local Gram Panchayats. Entry to highly sensitive areas such as Andharban and Kundalika Valley will remain closed until the system is fully implemented. Authorities have warned that anyone attempting to enter restricted areas illegally will face strict legal action.Explained: Southern Europe Sees Backlash Against Overtourism—Here’s Why