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Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Mountaineering organisation urges CM to start Shivteerth Yatra connecting Unesco inscribed Maratha forts
1 2 Pune: Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha, a mountaineering organisation based in Junnar, has proposed the launch of a special 'Shivteerth Yatra', modelled on the lines of Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, connecting the 12 forts recently inscribed as Unesco World Heritage Sites. The organisation has written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to flag off the yatra from the historic Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . Of these 12 forts, 11 are in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. Described as "Maratha Military Landscapes", these are Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "Our organisation has been working for the past 25 years in fort conservation, environmental preservation, and promoting heritage tourism. Through our efforts, we helped establish the Shivai sacred grove and Junnar archaeological museum. An information centre is also coming up in the historic Ambarkhana building on the fort," Joshi said. The organisation has proposed that the Shivteerth Yatra be operated through Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), with specially designed buses connecting all 12 Unesco-recognised forts. It has also requested that Junnar ST bus depot be redeveloped in heritage style. "Junnar is steeped in history. Now that Shivneri Fort has Unesco status, it is only appropriate that the bus stand reflects the region's historic and cultural character," said Rahul Joshi, president of Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha. "Shivneri is not just a fort, it is the cradle of Maratha pride," he added. Each fort holds significant historical importance. Shivneri Fort, located in Junnar tehsil, is considered a "sacred fort" among all the forts of Maratha Empire because it is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort was built in the 6th century CE as a strategic military outpost. Built in a triangular shape, it is surrounded by cliffs and overlooks Junnar town. "The most striking aspect of the fort is its seven-tier defence system, designed to block enemy advances. It was a challenging task for attackers to engage in battle due to the uphill terrain and seven enormous gates," said Joshi. "If the state government connects these forts with a dedicated bus service, it would provide a great opportunity for people to visit these historical sites, as many of these are located in rural areas. Therefore, we have urged the government to consider our request positively," said Ganesh Kore, the secretary of the organisation. Thousands of people visit the forts every year. Many come to enjoy the atmosphere and greenery, but only a few are keen to understand their historical significance, said the members of the club. "It is difficult for people to find the time to visit all these forts by making individual arrangements. However, if there is a dedicated public transport, a large number of people, including women, would visit these forts," said Keshav Tengle, a history enthusiast and trekker.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
Maharashtra govt to launch air ambulance services, says Minister
Mumbai, A comprehensive plan will be prepared for road safety in the state, and various improvements will be made from the road safety fund, said Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik here on Monday. While speaking at the meeting, discussing various issues related to the transport department, he said that to provide immediate help after accidents on highways, air ambulance services will be started, and vehicles equipped with essential medical equipment will be deployed. The minister also reviewed the action taken following the letter given regarding City Flow and other app-based buses carrying illegal passengers. He said that action should be taken against illegal taxi and bus transport. He said that there is no restriction on passenger transport under the rules. "It has been decided to appoint an independent agency to provide accurate and detailed information on road safety. This agency will provide detailed information on accident-prone areas, and measures will be implemented based on that," he said. Meanwhile, Minister Sarnaik said that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), a state-run undertaking, is the 'mother organisation' of about 83,000 employees. "State Transport bus service will never be privatised in the future, so the employees should not believe such rumours," he appealed. Minister Sarnaik, who is also the MSRTC chairman, said that ST employees are very hardworking. "It is the moral responsibility of the ST administration to provide them with basic amenities at the place where they work. Therefore, the driver-conductor rest house and the toilets there should be clean," he said. He pointed out that for this, the government will soon appoint a private sanitation company, and along with cleaning the rest house, arrangements will be made to wash and iron the uniforms of the employees and give them to the employees. "Not only this, arrangements will also be made on behalf of the sanitation company for the beard and hair cutting of the employees. By paying attention to the basic needs of the employees in this way, it is possible to create a favourable psychological environment for the employees who perform. This will have a positive impact on their work methods and help increase their productivity," asserted Minister Sarnaik.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
MSRTC bus driver killed, 9 injured in mishap near Lonavla
Pune: A 38-year-old driver of a Mumbai-bound Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus died, while nine passengers of the bus were injured after the vehicle crashed into a container truck near Lonavla exit on the Pune-Mumbai expressway, reports Mihir Tanksale. The incident occurred around 3am on Thursday. Three of the nine injured passengers have been admitted to a private hospital at Somatne Phata. Lonavla city police registered a case of accidental death in this regard. Police identified the deceased driver as Irshad Shaikh of Beed district. The nine passengers include bus conductor, Sagar Gund, also of Beed district. An officer from the Lonavla city police told TOI that the MSRTC bus had 33 passengers on board. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Fadnavis assures inclusive approach to Pandharpur Corridor, welcomes end of VIP darshan
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday reaffirmed the government's commitment to the proposed Pandharpur Corridor, assuring that all stakeholders - residents, traders, shopkeepers, and devotees - will be taken into confidence and no one will face losses due to the redevelopment. Fadnavis also welcomed the Solapur district administration's decision to discontinue the VIP darshan system at the Vitthal temple. (HT) Speaking to the media after performing the Maha Puja at the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple along with his wife Amruta Fadnavis and daughter Divija on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Fadnavis addressed concerns surrounding the ambitious project. 'The government will build the Pandharpur Corridor by earning the trust of all. Every citizen, trader, and homeowner will be rehabilitated respectfully and in a better way,' Fadnavis said. 'The district collector has already initiated discussions with local traders, religious leaders, and residents. Many doubts have been cleared, and we will continue this process with full transparency.' Fadnavis assured that the project would not displace anyone. 'No shopkeeper, homeowner, or local resident will suffer due to this development. Business and religious sentiments will be respected,' he added. The corridor project, inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, aims to revamp the area around the Vitthal-Rukmini temple by widening roads, relocating shops, and improving facilities for the lakhs of devotees who visit Pandharpur. While the state views this as a major step towards modernising the pilgrimage, concerns remain among locals about potential displacement and loss of historical character. Fadnavis also welcomed the Solapur district administration's decision to discontinue the VIP darshan system at the Vitthal temple. 'I think this is a good tradition and should be continued,' he said, noting that the move has helped reduce waiting time for general devotees by up to five hours. Commenting on the newly introduced token-based darshan system, Fadnavis said, 'The system is new and will take time to stabilise, but we will continue it gradually.' Maha Puja honours Warkari couple The official Maha Puja this year was performed by Warkari couple Kailas Ugle and Kalpana Ugle from Jategaon village in Nandgaon taluka, Nashik district. They were felicitated by the chief minister and his wife. The couple also received a free year-long State Transport (ST) bus pass, presented by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and personally handed over by Fadnavis. Praising the arrangements under the Nirmal Wari initiative, Fadnavis said, 'This year's Wari was not just clean, but also green and eco-friendly. The message of cleanliness given by our saints was truly visible.' He added that spiritual progress is as important as economic growth in the state's development. 'Wari should be about devotion, not agendas' Commenting on the participation of individuals accused of being 'Urban Naxals' in the Wari procession, Fadnavis said, 'Anyone is free to join the Wari - there's no need for anyone's permission. But participation should be rooted in devotion to Lord Vitthal, not driven by personal agendas. To use the Wari for pushing an ideology or narrative is wrong.'
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Fadnavis performs 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' puja in Pandharpur, prays for prosperity of farmers
Pandharpur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday performed the 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' mahapuja in Pandharpur town, seeking blessings of Lord Vitthal for the prosperity of farmers and removing all crises from the state. Fadnavis performs 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' puja in Pandharpur, prays for prosperity of farmers As a long-standing tradition, the chief minister of Maharashtra offers prayers at the famous temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini in Solapur district's Pandharpur town on Ashadhi Ekadashi every year. CM Devendra Fadnavis performed the puja along with his wife Amruta Fadnavis. Warkari couple Kailas Damu Ugle and Kalpana Ugle, from Jategaon , got the honour of performing the ritual alongside the chief minister. Lakhs of 'warkaris' congregated in Pandharpur for the celebration. In his address following the mahapuja, CM Fadnavis said he prayed to Lord Vitthal to "keep farmers happy and content, remove all crises from the state, and bless everyone with wisdom to walk the path of righteousness." Highlighting the scale of this year's pilgrimage, the chief minister said the 'wari' tradition continues to grow every year. "This year's wari has set new records with a massive turnout of devotees, especially youth, many of whom walked all the way to Pandharpur to seek Lord Vitthal's blessings," he said. The chief minister said the wari has spiritual and cultural significance. "In this journey, every devotee sees Lord Vitthal in one another. Nowhere else in the world is such a tradition found. The chanting of Hari's name in the wari brings new energy. The wari upholds the true spirit of the Bhakti movement," he said. Referring to the state's effort to promote cleanliness and sustainability, Fadnavis noted this year's wari was both "nirmal" and environmentally conscious. He praised the successful implementation of cleanliness initiatives, saying, "We have truly realised the teachings of our saints who always emphasised good sanitation practices." The CM also lauded the decision by local authorities to halt VIP access to darshan, which reduced the waiting time for the common devotees by five hours. "This move ensured every devotee has equal and timely access to Lord Vitthal's darshan," Fadnavis said. Earlier, Vitthal-Rukmini Temple Committee vice chairman Gahininath Maharaj Aosekar welcomed the dignitaries and said this year's arrangements have satisfied the large number of warkaris, with effective crowd management and enhanced facilities. After the ceremony, the committee felicitated Fadnavis. The CM honoured warkari couple Kailas and Kalpana Ugle, who were also awarded a year-long free ST bus pass by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation . Later, Fadnavis also presented the prestigious Shri Vitthal Nirmal Dindi awards to 'dindis' for excellence in promoting cleanliness and social awareness. The event was attended by state Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, MLAs including Samadhan Autade, Sachin Kalyanshetti, Babasaheb Deshmukh, Ranjitsinh Mohite Patil, Sanjay Sawkare, Devendra Kathe and Abhijit Patil, Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Solapur District Collector Kumar Ashirwad, and other senior officials and temple committee members. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
