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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
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.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PCMC approves draft for revised DP; minimum 12-metre roads for densely populated areas and halting spots for Wari among reservations proposed
1 2 3 Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation ( PCMC ) commissioner and administrator Shekhar Singh on Wednesday approved the draft of the revised development plan (DP) for the city during a standing committee meeting. A senior official from PCMC said the draft would be made available online, while a physical copy would be displayed at the municipal corporation building for public review. This is the first DP for Pimpri Chinchwad that encompasses all areas within PCMC limits, including those merged after the city's initial formation. The draft DP covers a total area of 173.24sqkm. Civic officials said the plan takes into account the city's rapidly growing population and corresponding demand for infrastructure and public amenities. According to PCMC, the city's population, which was 17 lakh as per the 2011 census, is projected to reach 42.4 lakh by 2031 and 61 lakh by 2041. According to the proposed draft, all new roads will have a minimum width of 18m, while roads in densely populated areas will be at least 12m wide. The plan includes land reservations for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, parking spaces for the Pune Metro and other essential urban facilities. In addition, space for halting Wari processions at two locations has been proposed. Other planned amenities include a truck terminus, a stand for intercity buses, a multimodal transport hub, and a sports complex. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rentner, die zwischen 1940 und 1969 geboren wurden, sind berechtigt, diese Hörgeräte Hörgeräte Vergleich Undo A senior civic official said PCMC, along with the now-merged Pimpri Chinchwad New Town Development Authority (PCNTDA), announced its intent to draft a revised DP back in 2019. A private firm from Ahmedabad was appointed to prepare the draft using GIS technology. State govt extended the validity of the existing DP due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent elections, including the 2023 Chinchwad bypoll and 2024 general and assembly elections. The current DP is set to expire on May 18 this year, as per the extended deadline, and PCMC was supposed to publish the draft before that as per the rule. The new DP will consider 2021 as the base year and it will be valid for the next 20 years. The city's original DP was approved in 1997, at a time when only a few villages were part of PCMC. Later, 18 additional villages were merged in 1997, and a revised DP for these areas was published in 2008. Following the merger of PCNTDA with PCMC in 2021, areas under PCNTDA's jurisdiction also came under the civic body's planning scope. The new draft covers all these areas, a civic official told TOI. Civic chief Singh said the draft plan prioritises basic infrastructure — roads, drainage systems, water supply networks, and gardens — to meet the needs of the projected population till 2041. "We have also proposed dedicated parking facilities for the proposed Metro line along the Nigdi-Mukai Chowk-Wakad-Nashik Phata-Chakan route," he said. Singh added that newly merged areas offer significant potential as rapid development was witnessed here over the last few years. Accordingly, the draft of the revised DP proposes adequate facilities in these areas to meet the demand. Citizens will have 60 days to submit their objections and suggestions on the draft plan. A seven-member committee—comprising three standing committee members and four independent experts—will be formed to review public feedback and conduct hearings. "The committee is expected to submit its report to the planning authority within two months, after which the draft DP will be forwarded to state govt for final approval," a PCMC official said. Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) commissioner and administrator Shekhar Singh on Wednesday approved the draft of the revised development plan (DP) for the city during a standing committee meeting. A senior official from PCMC said the draft would be made available online, while a physical copy would be displayed at the municipal corporation building for public review. This is the first DP for Pimpri Chinchwad that encompasses all areas within PCMC limits, including those merged after the city's initial formation. The draft DP covers a total area of 173.24sqkm. Civic officials said the plan takes into account the city's rapidly growing population and corresponding demand for infrastructure and public amenities. According to PCMC, the city's population, which was 17 lakh as per the 2011 census, is projected to reach 42.4 lakh by 2031 and 61 lakh by 2041. According to the proposed draft, all new roads will have a minimum width of 18m, while roads in densely populated areas will be at least 12m wide. The plan includes land reservations for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, parking spaces for the Pune Metro and other essential urban facilities. In addition, space for halting Wari processions at two locations has been proposed. Other planned amenities include a truck terminus, a stand for intercity buses, a multimodal transport hub, and a sports complex. A senior civic official said PCMC, along with the now-merged Pimpri Chinchwad New Town Development Authority (PCNTDA), announced its intent to draft a revised DP back in 2019. A private firm from Ahmedabad was appointed to prepare the draft using GIS technology. State govt extended the validity of the existing DP due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent elections, including the 2023 Chinchwad bypoll and 2024 general and assembly elections. The current DP is set to expire on May 18 this year, as per the extended deadline, and PCMC was supposed to publish the draft before that as per the rule. The new DP will consider 2021 as the base year and it will be valid for the next 20 years. The city's original DP was approved in 1997, at a time when only a few villages were part of PCMC. Later, 18 additional villages were merged in 1997, and a revised DP for these areas was published in 2008. Following the merger of PCNTDA with PCMC in 2021, areas under PCNTDA's jurisdiction also came under the civic body's planning scope. The new draft covers all these areas, a civic official told TOI. Civic chief Singh said the draft plan prioritises basic infrastructure — roads, drainage systems, water supply networks, and gardens — to meet the needs of the projected population till 2041. "We have also proposed dedicated parking facilities for the proposed Metro line along the Nigdi-Mukai Chowk-Wakad-Nashik Phata-Chakan route," he said. Singh added that newly merged areas offer significant potential as rapid development was witnessed here over the last few years. Accordingly, the draft of the revised DP proposes adequate facilities in these areas to meet the demand. Citizens will have 60 days to submit their objections and suggestions on the draft plan. A seven-member committee—comprising three standing committee members and four independent experts—will be formed to review public feedback and conduct hearings. "The committee is expected to submit its report to the planning authority within two months, after which the draft DP will be forwarded to state govt for final approval," a PCMC official said.
Express Tribune
13-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Wrapped in forgotten nobility
In Tharparkar and many other parts of Sindh, as well as across the country, elderly men traditionally never left home without wearing a turban. Likewise, horse and camel trainers would never ride or compete in races without one. Not long ago, a man stepping out into the village without his turban signaled that something was amiss, or that he was in some kind of distress or that something was wrong. Today, however, the practice has largely faded, with turbans now reserved for special occasions such as weddings and cultural festivals. "Nowadays, we can no longer identify a person just by looking at his turban," says 75-year-old Shankar Lal Nai. "Not long ago, the style and wrapping of a turban could instantly reveal a person's community, caste, tribe, and region. Every group had its own distinct way of tying it." Interestingly, the tip or peak of the turban serves as a marker of identity. "There are many types of turbans," Shankar Lal explains. "But in Sindh, two styles are especially popular: 'Wari' and 'Supari' (the turban is shaped like a betel nut). The tribe or caste can often be recognised by the turban's tip. In the Supari style, the cloth is twisted like a rope, while in the Wari style, it is simply wrapped around the head without twisting." 'Identifying caste and tribe is easy for us if a man wears a turban,' Shankar explains. 'If the turban has no tip, it means this person belongs to the Kumbhar caste. If the tip of the turban is on the front, it means this person belongs to the Rajput tribe, and if the tip of the turban is at the back, it means this person belongs to the Bheel community. Some Meghwars wore the Jinnah cap, especially as they were followers of the Muslim League at the time. Others would just place a piece of cloth on their head.' "A turban is not just yards of cloth wrapped round the head, it symbolises honour and responsibility,' says 70-year-old Sangidan Singh Rajput. When you wear a turban on your head, it means you are carrying a responsibility. For instance, if you are the head of a family, it means you are responsible for that family. Similarly, if you are head of the caste or sub-caste, you stand responsible for your sub-caste. Of course if you are head of a tribe, you are responsible for the tribe.' In a Rajput family, if a man dies, the men belonging to the family as well as all the males in the entire village do not wear a turban for the next twelve days as a mark of respect and mourning, Sangidan further explained. When they resume wearing turbans after that day, the head of the family wraps turbans on the men of lower communities with his own heads in gratitude to reciprocate for their gesture. If the chief of the Rajput tribe, known as Rana, dies, the men of the family do not wear turbans for twelve days. The eldest son wraps the turban around his head at the time of the death of his father as he assumes the role of a new Rana or chief of the Rajput tribe. For the death of any other family member, the Rana would not remove his turban. The turban unwraps into seven or more metres of cloth, depending on how big the turban is required to be. White fabric is used for turbans in Sindh, but across the border in India, people like to wear colourful turbans. The Rajhastani turban, known as Fanta, is only worn by the Rajput tribe of Rajhastan, India, and is a mark of identification of their tribe. 'Turbans also reveal the age group,' says Shankar Lal. 'In the Rajput caste, men who are less than forty years wear a light yellow turban, while the ones who are over forty wear a light, white turban. These days however it is difficult to determine that. There is no particular age limit to start wearing a turban, but generally, men wear turbans after they are married.' In his book, Lok Sagar Ja Moti, ex-MNA Paroo Mal Kolhi writes, 'Kolhi community mostly wrap red turbans known as Madrasi turban. When colonial police started to take work from people who wore red turbans without any remuneration or wages for their work, the Kolhi community discarded wearing turbans. At the time, the colonial police also wore red turbans. 'Turbans look beautiful when half of the ear is covered with turban cloth. History books show pictures of warriors where they are seen wearing red turbans,' says Sangidan. 'When the warriors fought on horseback with swords, their turbans protected their heads. Turbans also prevent from harsh weather in winter and summer. In a way, turbans offer protection like helmets do for motorcyclists.' The turban holds great significance as a fundamental symbol of culture and tradition. Removing your turban and placing it before someone is a powerful gesture of humility, often symbolising a plea for forgiveness or pardon. In many villages, juries may grant forgiveness—even for serious offenses like murder—when this act is performed. "The Sindhi cap replaced the turban eight decades ago,' claims 35-year-old Aftab Samejo. 'Prior to that all Sindhis from villages and cities wore turbans. Even though, you see the cap commonly now, it is not the original cultural sign of the Sindhi community. These days all Sindhis, including children, wear Sindhi caps in most cultural events and weddings celebrations because they are easily available and convenient to wear. Since caps are available in different colours, sizes and designs, people prefer to wear caps instead of wrapping seven metres of cloth round their heads.' 'Wrapping a turban requires expertise,' he explains. 'People who used to wear turbans were mostly experts at wrapping it round their heads. Of course, not everyone who dons a turban is an expert at wrapping it. Nowadays, experts of turban wrapping/tying services are available in the market, against some charges.' After donning a turban that was expertly wrapped round the head, it is carefully removed so it can be worn the next day or time. Ready-tied or pre-tied turbans are also available in the market. These are bought for weddings by younger people. Some grooms have a turban tying ceremony, while others prefer to be the ready-wrapped ones from the market. "When a tribal chief or an esteemed caste member passes away, the chiefs of various communities, castes, and tribes come together to honour the transition of leadership. One by one, they wrap and fold yards of cloth around the head of the late chief's eldest son. When the final fold is in place, the newly turbaned son assumes his father's role, officially becoming the head of the community." Various other different rituals are also connected with turbans in different communities. A turban is the most unique and beautiful symbol of rural culture, even though in an urban setting, turbans are looked at with a discerning eye. Cultural and ethnic symbols like the turban are more than just attire—they carry centuries of history, identity, and pride. If the younger generation drifts away from these traditions, they risk becoming mere artifacts in museums, rather than living expressions of heritage. Embracing these symbols isn't about resisting change; it's about keeping a connection to one's roots alive, ensuring that future generations inherit not just stories but a culture they can wear, embody, and pass on. Khalid Kumbhar is a freelance contributor All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
