Pimpri Chinchwad: With the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage just weeks away, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh has directed all civic departments to ensure there are no lapses in the services and facilities provided to Warkaris. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts across departments to guarantee a smooth and respectful experience for the thousands of devotees participating in the spiritual procession.
Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s palanquin is scheduled to arrive in Pimpri Chinchwad on June 19, with a scheduled halt at Akurdi. The following day, June 20, Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s palanquin will enter the city and proceed towards Pune the same day. Preparations by the municipal corporation for both events are currently in their final stages.
In view of the upcoming events, Commissioner Singh conducted a site inspection on Monday at the Akurdi halt location for Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s palanquin and also reviewed the proposed sites for the Warkari Bhavan. During the inspection, he instructed officials to provide all essential amenities at the halting sites, including sanitation, drinking water, and medical facilities.
Senior officials accompanying the Commissioner included City Engineer Makarand Nikam, Deputy City Engineer Devanna Gattuvar, Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodde, Town Planner Prashant Shimpi, Zonal Officer Sheetal Wakde, Health Executive Officer Ganesh Deshpande, and Executive Engineer Vaishali Nanavare. Also present were religious and community leaders such as H.B.P. Purushottam Maharaj More, H.B.P. Manikbua More, and H.B.P. Jagannath Patil from the Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan, as well as trustees of Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir and local representatives like former corporator Pramod Kute and others.
Commissioner Singh reviewed the overall condition of the route and instructed that debris on all roads leading to the halting areas and along the palanquin route be cleared promptly. He also emphasized the importance of cleanliness and proper drainage management to prevent waterlogging, especially in anticipation of monsoon rains.
“The Ashadhi Wari is not just a cultural event but a deeply spiritual journey for lakhs of devotees. It is our duty to ensure that their path is smooth, safe, and dignified,” Singh remarked.
