PCMC Uses Hot Air Balloons to Promote Voting Ahead of Civic Elections
Pimpri, 13th January 2026: In a visually striking initiative aimed at boosting voter turnout, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched a voter awareness campaign featuring hot air balloons at prominent locations across the city ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.
The initiative forms part of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme, under which the civic body has rolled out a series of innovative outreach measures to encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote. Polling for the PCMC general elections is scheduled for January 15, between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm.
The voter awareness drive is being implemented under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner and Election Officer Shravan Hardikar, with Additional Commissioner Tripti Sandbhor and Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodade supervising the execution of SVEEP-related activities across the city.
As part of the campaign, hot air balloons carrying voter awareness messages were stationed at multiple high-visibility locations, including the PCMC headquarters, Bhakti Shakti Chowk, Dange Chowk in Thergaon, Ankushrao Landge Auditorium in Bhosari, Mukai Chowk in Ravet, the Dinosaur Park at Pimple Gurav, Talwade Chowk, and Chikhali.
Officials said the aerial displays were designed to draw public attention and serve as reminders for eligible voters to participate in the civic polls.
“Voting plays a vital role in strengthening democracy. Innovative initiatives such as the hot air balloon campaign are helping create positive awareness among citizens, and we appeal for maximum voter participation on January 15,” said Tripti Sandbhor, Additional Commissioner, PCMC.
Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodade echoed the sentiment, stating that the SVEEP programme focuses on improving voter turnout through creative and engaging communication methods.
“Messages delivered through innovative platforms like hot air balloons are effective in reaching people. Every eligible voter should take part in the electoral process,” he said.
The civic administration has urged residents to note the polling date and timings and to turn out in large numbers to cast their votes in the forthcoming municipal elections.
