Latest news with #Palkhi
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
PMC extends drive to trim dangerous tree branches, but citizens say efforts inadequate
1 2 3 Pune: The civic administration has extended its drive to trim dangerous branches of trees across all wards, amid a brief respite in rain spells and the upcoming Palkhi procession that will go through the city. Citizens said that the administration should inspect all the trees located along prominent roads and at vulnerable spots to avoid mishaps. A couple of fatalities were reported during the recent heavy rain due to tree falls, prompting Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to expand the scope of its drive to trim dangerous branches. PMC plans to continue the drive till the end of this week. A civic official told TOI, "As the annual Palkhi procession is about to reach the city in the next few days, we are extending the drive of tree trimming on the Palkhi route as well. We are also taking help from the fire department in areas where access to trees is difficult." However, residents claimed that dangerous branches are not being trimmed properly before the arrival of the monsoon, leading to more falling branches this year. Due to the early arrival of rain this year, PMC was additionally unprepared, and falling branches led to closure of several roads, besides damage to properties and vehicles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Ashutosh Joshi, a resident of the Parvati area, said, "Instances of tree falls were more this time owing to heavy showers. The administration should rope in more staff to trim dangerous branches as it looks like a lot of work is still pending." Residents also raised concerns about PMC's ignorance towards trimming dangerous branches on private premises. Shivajinagar resident Ramesh Mehta said, "PMC does not trim the branches on its own if trees are located on private premises. Due to the high cost involved in cutting, owners do not come forward. PMC should work out a system for such cases, as safety cannot be compromised. Many trees are on private premises, but their branches tilt towards the road. These must be trimmed without waiting for citizens' applications." Officials from the PMC's garden department told TOI that the process to submit applications for tree cutting has been simplified. The administration has identified over 20 contractors for such trimming and charges have been fixed to avoid fleecing. What residents want: > PMC must trim dangerous branches of trees on busy roads on priority > Such branches of trees located on private premises must also be cut > More staff needs to be deployed for this drive
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ajit Pawar warns Metro of ₹10 crore fine over debris, traffic chaos
Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Pune district guardian minister Ajit Pawar has come down heavily on Maha-Metro and civic officials over the growing traffic congestion and waterlogging issues, causing public inconvenience in Pune. He issued a stern warning to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), threatening a penalty of ₹10 crore to the metro for failure to clear debris from metro construction before the Palkhi arrival. Pawar was in Pune for the traffic review meeting and criticised the stalled metro works, especially in areas like Hinjewadi, which have become major obstacles to smooth traffic flow. 'If the rubble and blockages caused by the Metro project are not removed immediately, a penalty notice of ₹10 crore will be issued by PMRDA to Metro. Metro officials have requested an extension of two to three days to clear the debris,' he said. Pune has been facing relentless rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas. Combined with incomplete metro works and debris-filled roads, this has worsened traffic congestion in several parts of the city. Pawar reviews Wari preparedness Pawar also reviewed preparations for the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage, during which thousands of devotees of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj arrive in Pune with their palkhis (holy processions), further straining traffic flow. 'During the Palkhi procession, devotees often take whichever roads are accessible. It is essential to ensure that no debris or mud remains on these routes to avoid inconvenience,' he said. He also directed officials to remove all flex banners and advertising hoardings from the Palkhi routes to maintain a clear passage for the devotees. In light of the recent flood-like situation at Dive Ghat on Friday, Pawar instructed the administration to take comprehensive safety measures along the Wari route, which is scheduled for later this month. Pawar chaired a review meeting attended by divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune municipal commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram, Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh, and district collector Jitendra Dudi. 'The road widening work at Dive Ghat is ongoing, and thousands of Warkaris will pass through this stretch. The administration must install proper barricades to ensure safe passage of the Palkhi. Given the heavy rain witnessed recently, officials should remain on high alert,' Pawar said. He also instructed the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to deploy personnel in alert mode along the Wari route in both Pune and Solapur districts. Additionally, he emphasised the need to provide clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and access to healthcare services for the Warkaris. During the meeting, Pawar also reviewed the city's COVID-19 situation. While he noted that the situation remains under control, he urged continued vigilance. 'There is no need to panic, but we must stay alert. The government has made adequate preparations. However, basic precautions must still be observed, especially during large gatherings like the Wari,' he said.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Unfinished foot over bridge at Pune's Pratik Nagar raises safety concerns
A foot over bridge (FoB) installed at Pratiknagar in Vishrantwadi has been lying incomplete for over three months. Residents claim that the bridge has no staircases and cannot be used. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) should complete the work immediately to avoid untoward incidents, they said. Anand Adsul, a resident of Vishrantwadi, said, 'The FoB crosses a drain with encroachments on both sides. Without staircases, it serves no purpose.' In 2014, the PMC built a pedestrian bridge at Vishrantwadi Chowk, where five major roads meet. The junction is always busy due to traffic, street vendors, encroachments, and illegal parking. The bridge was built at a cost of ₹4 crore to help people cross the Alandi Road, Dhanori, and airport junction safely. However, the bridge was too high and the lift often didn't work. Very few people used it, and it was poorly maintained. In 2023, PMC decided to scrap it and build a flyover and grade separator instead. Later, the PMC project department dismantled the old FoB and decided to reuse its parts. One section was installed at the College of Engineering, Pune (CoEP) hostel on Jangli Maharaj Road and is now operational. Another section was placed at Pratik Nagar, Vishrantwadi, but without staircases. Residents from Pratiknagar, Mohanwadi, Panchsheel Nagar, Adarsh Nagar, and Maji Sainik Nagar say the FoB could help cross the busy Alandi Road. But the height and lack of access make it unusable—especially for senior citizens. Sandeep Patil, executive engineer at PMC's project department, said, 'Drainage work is underway at the FoB site. We're connecting a line from the underpass to the nearby drain. Due to pre-monsoon rains, the work has been delayed. Once it's done, we'll install the staircases.' Vinod Pawar, civic activist, said, 'The bridge work should be finished before the Palkhi procession. If any untoward incident occurs, PMC will be responsible.'
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
PMC chief reviews Palakhi route, orders intensive preparations after site inspections
With exactly a month to go for the arrival of Palkhi processions of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) conducted a comprehensive inspection and planning drive to ensure the smooth and safe movement of the Wari, the officials said. PMC commissioner, Rajendra Bhosale, on Monday visited key locations along the Palkhi route. Additional municipal commissioners— Prithviraj BP (East) and Omprakash Divate (West), city engineer Prashant Waghmare, and other senior engineers and assistant commissioners were present. Besides, representatives from the Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan were also present during the visit. During the inspection, Bhosale issued detailed instructions for immediate road repairs, removal of encroachments, and ensuring safety at the overnight halting points. Additionally, essential amenities and facilities such as drinking water, clean mobile toilets, and resting areas for the devotees are being set up across the route, said the officials. The Health Department has been directed to set up mobile medical units and emergency health services, while healthcare camps and ambulance support will be arranged at key points. Disinfection and medicine spraying at halting areas and PMC schools that host devotees will be done in advance, said Dr Nina Borade, PMC health chief. According to officials, special attention is being given to monsoon-related issues. The stormwater drains and chambers are being cleaned and covered with safety grilles. Sanitation workers have been assigned to clear garbage from chambers and maintain hygiene in the area. Commenting on the issue, civic commissioner Bhosale said, 'To avoid traffic disruptions, the PMC has coordinated with the traffic police for the smooth movement of the procession. Unauthorised stalls and encroachments along the route are being removed by encroachment squads and special teams. The pavements and roads on the route are undergoing repairs. Tree branches obstructing the route are being trimmed. Additional lighting and backup electrical systems are being installed to prevent power outages,' he said. As per officials, the resting points for Warkaris will be equipped with clean water, mobile toilets, and first aid. Fire safety arrangements are being made at locations where meals are served. Barricading and crowd control systems will be set up to prevent chaos during Palkhi darshan. Mandals serving food are being instructed to maintain cleanliness, with sanitary staff being deployed to keep the areas clean. Also, arrangements for drinking water will be made at these locations.
