Pune: PCMC Issues Advisory to Hoarding Owners Along Palkhi Routes to Ensure Safety Compliance

Pimpri, 18th June 2025: As the city prepares to welcome the revered Palkhi processions of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj on June 19 and 20 respectively, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a formal advisory to all authorised hoarding owners to ensure strict adherence to safety norms during the procession period.

Shekhar Singh, Commissioner, PCMC, said, “The Palkhi procession is a matter of cultural and spiritual importance. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that devotees have a safe environment. We request full cooperation from all hoarding agencies in maintaining safety standards.”

A notice has been issued to all 1,494 hoarding agencies operating within the municipal limits, particularly those with structures along the Palkhi routes — from Nigdi to Dapodi, Dehu to Alandi, and Dighi to Bopkhel. The civic body has directed hoarding owners to immediately inspect the structural stability of all their installations and undertake any additional reinforcements required, considering the large public footfall expected.

Deputy Commissioner of the Sky Sign and Licensing Department, Rajesh Agale, said, “All hoarding structures along the Palkhi routes have valid permissions and up-to-date structural stability certificates. However, as a precautionary measure, we have issued a written instruction to every agency to re-verify the condition of their hoardings and implement any necessary safety measures. In case of any untoward incident, the concerned agency will be held responsible.”

According to the safety inspection report, from Bhakti Shakti Chowk to Dapodi, 71 hoardings have been verified over an 11-km stretch. From Charholi Phata to Bopkhel Corner, 64 hoardings were found on a 12-km stretch. On the Dehu–Alandi route within municipal limits, 80 hoardings are installed across a 15-km stretch.
All hoardings are reported to be authorised, with sizes not exceeding 40×20 feet.

While no unauthorised hoardings were found during the inspection, PCMC has clarified that if any safety concerns arise, swift action will be taken. The civic administration is also ensuring that departments such as Disaster Management, Traffic, and Sanitation are fully prepared to facilitate a safe and smooth passage for the lakhs of devotees who will be walking the routes.