Chhath Puja in Pune: PMC Plans Artificial Ponds, Ghats, Security and Women’s Facilities

Pune, 12th November 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Standing Committee has approved a proposal seeking a separate annual policy and dedicated budgetary allocation for organising Chhath Puja celebrations in the city. The proposal was tabled by corporator and Standing Committee member Suhas Vijay Tingre to ensure proper civic facilities and safety arrangements for devotees celebrating the festival.

The proposal calls for the PMC to formulate a permanent annual planning policy for Chhath Puja on the lines of the arrangements made by the municipal corporations of Mumbai and Thane. It also seeks regular implementation of the policy every year.

Chhath Puja, also known as Chhath Mahaparv, is an important religious and cultural festival, particularly among North Indian communities. During the four-day festival, large numbers of devotees gather at rivers, lakes and other water bodies to offer prayers to the Sun God and perform traditional rituals.

The proposal emphasises the need to provide safe, clean and dignified facilities for devotees at designated locations across Pune.

Key provisions outlined in the proposal include:
Formulating a separate annual policy for Chhath Puja and ensuring its implementation every year.
Conducting site inspections to identify suitable locations for the celebrations.
Constructing artificial ponds and temporary ghats wherever required.
Ensuring cleanliness, waste management and proper collection of puja offerings (nirmalya) at the ghats.
Providing safe drinking water and water tankers.
Setting up separate, safe and hygienic changing rooms for women.
Arranging adequate lighting, generators, directional signboards and other basic facilities.
Installing CCTV cameras and barricades, along with arrangements for fire brigade personnel, police security, lifeguards and medical teams.
Making traffic management and dedicated parking arrangements wherever necessary.
Introducing a single-window system to provide necessary permissions to Chhath Puja organising committees.
Appointing nodal officers to coordinate between various civic departments.
Involving Chhath Puja committees, social organisations and local residents in the planning process.

The proposal also seeks a dedicated allocation in the PMC’s annual budget for these arrangements. It recommends that preparations begin at least one month before the festival to avoid last-minute arrangements.

Speaking about the proposal, Tingre said, “Pune is a city that respects all religions, languages and cultures. It is the responsibility of the municipal corporation to ensure that every citizen can follow their religious beliefs and cultural traditions safely and with dignity. The objective behind this proposal was to avoid the last-minute rush every year and ensure a permanent policy backed by adequate financial provisions for Chhath Puja celebrations.”

He added that the Standing Committee’s approval would help facilitate better planning and organisation of the festival in the coming years.