Latest news with #Warkaris
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.
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Citizens protest against Indrayani River pollution in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Concerned over the perennial issue of rising pollution in the Indrayani River; hundreds of citizens gathered at the riverbank near Moi Phata on Sunday to protest against the inaction of the local authorities. Holding placards and raising slogans, residents demanded urgent measures to clean the river and stop untreated sewage and waste from flowing into it the river. Prashant Raul, green activist who was part of the protest, said, 'The river water is foaming, and citizens health is at risk. We are not asking for luxury, just clean water and a clean river.' The protesters stated that Ram Nallah, a stream that flows from Kudulwadi and Chikhali joins the Indrayani, was once a natural water body, it has now turned into a gutter filled with construction debris, plastic waste, and contaminated water. 'Three months ago, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) took action against scrap dealers in the area, blaming them for polluting the river. However, even after the crackdown, nothing has changed. Dirty water is still reportedly seen flowing into the river. The administration is simply ignoring the issue,' said Raju Savle, social activist. The protesters also raised concerns about the impact of river pollution on religious towns like Dehu and Alandi, located along the Indrayani. Millions of Warkaris and pilgrims visit these holy sites and drink the river water as sacred. Citizens demanded that the municipal corporation should stop releasing untreated water directly into the river and ensure that only clean water enters it. The natural flow of the river should be maintained. Besides, the dumping of debris and construction material inside the riverbed should be stopped to protect biodiversity. The protesters also pointed out flaws in the ongoing river rejuvenation project by PCMC. Instead of prioritizing sewage treatment, the focus is on beautification. PCMC is building walls and adding decorative elements while ignoring the real problem. Also, in some places, they are even filling up parts of the river, disrupting its natural path. A senior officer from PCMC, on request of anonymity, said, 'Small portion of Indrayani river flows through PCMC limits. There are other local bodies through which these rivers pass, and the river water gets polluted. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Dehu Cantonment Board, Dehu Municipal Council, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and gram panchayat all these authorities should also work together to stop Indrayani River pollution.'
