Pune : Ahead of the much-awaited Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar has urged all officials to engage in meticulous micro-planning to provide essential facilities for the Warkaris and ensure a procession that is safe, accident-free, clean, and environmentally sustainable.
Addressing a high-level review meeting at the Divisional Commissioner’s office, Dr. Pulkundwar emphasized the need for close coordination among all departments involved. He called for collaboration with the trustees of the revered Palakhis, increased deployment of food and drug administration staff to guarantee food safety, and a robust campaign against food adulteration. He also stressed that all preparations must be completed ahead of the upcoming state-level coordination meeting.
The Divisional Commissioner highlighted the importance of environmental care along the Wari route, including large-scale tree planting, enhanced sanitation facilities with additional public toilets, and maintaining the cleanliness of rivers like Chandrabhaga and Neera. He further instructed officials to ensure the route is free of potholes, implement strict traffic management, and take preventive steps against landslides in the Ghats. Adequate police deployment and joint inspections of the route were also mandated, with a proposal to prepare a consolidated booklet detailing arrangements across the three districts of Pune, Satara, and Solapur.
Solapur District Collector Kumar Ashirwad, participating via video conference, shared key details of the preparations, including the deployment of 25,500 officers and staff, support from 1,860 volunteers, and arrangements for water, electricity, healthcare, gas cylinders, sanitation, and special facilities for women. He also mentioned an innovative trial using artificial intelligence to enhance crowd management during the Wari.
Officials from Pune and Satara districts, including Pune CEO Gajanan Patil and Satara Resident Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nagesh Patil, also presented updates on district-level readiness. Senior representatives from district councils, public works, and police departments of the three districts attended the meeting to ensure seamless execution of this year’s Ashadhi Wari.
The comprehensive planning aims to uphold the sacred tradition of the Wari while prioritizing the safety, health, and comfort of the thousands of devotees participating in the historic pilgrimage.
