Pune: Rescue Teams Around Pune Receive Specialised Stretchers for Fort Evacuations

Pune, 14th March 2026: Volunteer rescue teams operating across Maharashtra’s historic hill forts have received a boost to their emergency response capabilities after the Rotary Club of Pune Sinhagad Road donated four specialised rescue stretchers designed for difficult terrain evacuations.

The equipment was handed over at a programme held near the memorial of Baji Pasalkar, the first commander-in-chief of the Maratha Swarajya, on Sinhagad Road. The event was attended by Santosh Marathe, District Governor of Rotary International District 3131, historian Pandurang Balkawade, Rotary Club president Ameya Pasalkar, secretary Priyanka Lagu, and other members, including Indrajit Ghorpade and Satish Khade.

Trekking activity across Maharashtra’s hill forts has increased significantly in recent years, drawing thousands of visitors to destinations such as Sinhagad Fort, Torna Fort, Raigad Fort and Shivneri Fort. However, the rugged terrain and steep pathways at these historic sites often lead to accidents, including slips and falls, making rescue operations both difficult and time-consuming.

According to organisers, the newly donated stretchers are designed specifically to transport injured persons safely across rocky slopes, narrow trails and deep trenches. The equipment can also be used during helicopter airlift evacuations, which are sometimes required in remote or hard-to-reach fort areas.

Addressing the gathering, historian Pandurang Balkawade emphasised that Maharashtra’s forts are a priceless historical legacy not only for the state but for the entire country. He also praised volunteer rescue teams for their dedication in carrying out evacuation missions in challenging conditions to assist injured or stranded trekkers.

Members of the rescue teams said that stretchers previously donated by the Rotary Club had already been used in several operations and helped save hundreds of lives. They expressed confidence that the newly provided equipment would further strengthen rescue and evacuation capabilities across fort regions around Pune.

The programme was anchored by Alka Deshpande and was attended by several Rotary members and volunteers involved in rescue efforts in the hill forts surrounding Pune.