Pune: PMC Reviews Preparations for Ashadhi Wari, Plans Comprehensive Civic Arrangements for Palkhi Procession

Pune, 24th June 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has begun extensive preparations for the upcoming Ashadhi Wari and Palkhi procession, with a comprehensive review meeting held on Wednesday to assess the readiness of various civic departments. The meeting, chaired by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Estate) Prajit Nair, focused on ensuring seamless civic services and the safety and convenience of thousands of Warkaris expected to pass through the city.

Senior officials from the Roads, Water Supply, Health, Solid Waste Management, Electrical, Projects, Building, Veterinary, Education, Encroachment, and Information & Public Relations departments participated in the meeting. Among those present were PMC City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar, Chief Engineer (Roads) Nandkishor Jagtap, Chief Engineer (Electrical) Sunil More, and Chief Engineer (Projects) Yuvraj Deshmukh, along with other senior civic officials.

During the meeting, departments were instructed to complete all essential works before the arrival of the Palkhi. The Projects Department was directed to install barricades near the Vishrantwadi underpass to prevent accidents and remove all obstructions beneath the Metro corridor in Shivajinagar within two days.

The Solid Waste Management Department will deploy portable toilets at key locations along the Palkhi route and at halt points. Dedicated sanitation teams, supported by jetting machines, will ensure continuous cleaning of toilets and surrounding areas. The civic body will also undertake anti-odour treatment and insecticide spraying before the arrival of the Palkhi and immediately after its departure from each halt.

To improve safety during the procession, the Electrical Department has been instructed to install additional lighting at important locations and ensure that all streetlights along the route remain operational. CCTV cameras will be deployed at strategic points, while a central control room will monitor the procession round the clock. Public announcement vehicles will also be used to disseminate important information and advisories to Warkaris.

The Health Department has been directed to maintain adequate stocks of medicines across municipal health facilities and deploy doctors, medical teams, ambulances, and health camps along the procession route to provide immediate medical assistance whenever required.

The Water Supply Department will ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water by setting up nearly 15 water distribution points along the Palkhi route. Additional water tankers will also be deployed to meet demand during the procession.

Road repair works have also been prioritised. The Roads Department has been instructed to repair potholes, level manhole covers and chambers with the road surface, and ensure the route remains safe for both devotees and vehicles.

To facilitate the stay of Warkaris, the Building Department will erect waterproof temporary shelters considering the monsoon season. Large German hangars will be installed at selected locations to accommodate Warkari offices, rest areas, women’s facilities, bathing areas, toilets, and health camps.

The Encroachment Department has been directed to remove all illegal structures, signboards, and other obstructions along the Palkhi route at least five days before the procession. Ward offices will also arrange temporary sheds, queue management systems, barricading, parking facilities, and directional signage in coordination with the police.

The Veterinary Department will deploy special teams to monitor the health of bulls, horses, and other animals participating in the procession, while the Education Department will make schools available as accommodation facilities for Warkaris, ensuring access to sanitation and other essential amenities.

Chairing the meeting, Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajit Nair directed all departments to work in close coordination and complete the assigned tasks within the stipulated timeline. PMC officials reiterated that the civic body is committed to providing comprehensive civic services to ensure that this year’s Ashadhi Wari and Palkhi procession are conducted in a safe, clean, and well-organised manner.