Pune: The Maharashtra Rural Development Department has decided to upgrade essential facilities for devotees at approximately 497 pilgrimage sites across the state. Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan announced that a fund of ₹5 crore has been allocated for this initiative.
In an effort to promote cleanliness during the pilgrimage, the department will send a sanitation procession, called Nirmal Wari, along with the palanquins of Saint Dnyaneshwar and Saint Tukaram Maharaj to Pandharpur. This initiative was inaugurated by Minister Mahajan on Monday, July 1.
The event was attended by Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Santosh Patil, Divisional Deputy Commissioner Varsha Ladda, Vijay Mulik, and Zilla Parishad Additional CEO Chandrakant Waghmare.
Mahajan explained that, similar to the development in Ujjain, the state will provide essential infrastructure at five major pilgrimage sites, including Pandharpur and Trimbakeshwar.
A preliminary plan is being prepared to implement these improvements. He emphasized that Maharashtra is a land of saints, and that social and cleanliness messages from saints like Gadge Baba and Tukdoji Maharaj are being promoted through the Nirmal Wari initiative.
With the onset of the Ashadhi Wari, palanquins from across the state are making their way to Pandharpur. The government has ensured the provision of drinking water, health facilities, and sanitation for the pilgrims.
Additional funds have been allocated for Nirmal Wari compared to last year. To prevent inconvenience and disease outbreaks in the villages along the pilgrimage route, the government is taking necessary precautions. Volunteers from the district, along with NGOs, NCC, and NSS students, are encouraged to assist in this effort.
During the event, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar and Zilla Parishad CEO Santosh Patil also shared their views.
A goodwill message from Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol was read out, and medical kits were distributed to two procession leaders as a symbolic gesture.