Pune: Junnar Gears Up for Grand Shiv Jayanti Celebrations at Shivneri Fort; Collector Dr Suhas Diwase Directs Coordinated Efforts
Junnar, 14th February 2024: In preparation for the upcoming Shiv Jayanti celebrations at Shivneri Fort, District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase chaired a review meeting at Jijau Hall of Junnar Taluka Panchayat Samiti. The meeting aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of all services and facilities for devotees paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Dr Diwase emphasized the importance of coordination among various systems to manage the festival effectively. Present at the meeting were the Chief Executive Officer of Pune Zilla Parishad Ramesh Chavan, Superintendent of Pune Rural Police Pankaj Deshmukh, Forest Conservator Amol Satpute, Deputy Director of Tourism Department Shama Pawar, and other key officials.
The Collector outlined several directives to manage the festival seamlessly. He highlighted the need for a well-coordinated disaster management system, including a public announcement system and megaphones. The focus is on ensuring environmental sustainability, controlling plastic usage, and organizing efficient garbage collection and disposal.
Efforts are underway to collaborate with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to relocate the main assembly venue for better crowd control and enhanced decoration, lighting, and electricity arrangements. Cleanliness and sanitation management are also priorities for the fort, foothills, and the surrounding city.
Rural Police SP Pankaj Deshmukh assured efforts to minimize waiting times for devotees during darshan. Temporary crowd control measures will be in place during the main event, with LED screens installed at strategic locations for public viewing. A control room at Datta Mandir and limited entry passes during Shivjanma Utsav will further aid crowd control.
ZP CEO Ramesh Chavan reviewed essential services like water supply, sanitation, and health systems. Plans for a technical feasibility study on installing solar panels at Shivneri Fort and increased transport arrangements were discussed. The tourism department is expected to take the lead in future programs, utilizing drones for crowd inspection and control.
A moment of tribute was dedicated to former MLA Late Vallabh Benke during the meeting, where various community leaders presented their views. Tehsildar Ravindra Sabnis moderated the discussion.
Before the review meeting, an inspection of the facilities at Shivneri Fort was conducted by Collector Dr Suhas Diwase and other officials, ensuring necessary instructions were given to the concerned authorities. The inspection also saw the presence of members from the Cultural Policy Committee of Maharashtra and Sahyadri Mitra Giribhraman Krida Sanstha.
