Pune: Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol recently declared that all the gardens in Pune will be reopened for Punekars from November 1. Now, the administration is deciding to reopen the gardens in a phased manner. However, the municipal administration has also made clear that events like 'Diwali Pahat' (Diwali Mornings) will not be allowed in the gardens this year.

The gardens are closed for the past seven months in the wake rising cases of the COVID-19. After a meeting held with Pune Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar and Head of Garden Department Ashok Ghorpade, Mayor Murlidhar Mohol recently declared that the gardens in the city will be reopened from November 1.

Accordingly, preventive measures are being taken in as much 190 gardens of the city. But, events will be held as the park will be opened on the eve of Diwali. Against this backdrop, the Municipal Corporation has started taking care from now on. In addition to opening the park in three phases, the administration will insist on not allowing crowded events.

"Parks and garden are underway to open in the city. As safety will be given the top priority, restrictions will be placed for the same," Ashok Ghorpade, Head of Garden Department of Pune Municipal Corporation said.

"It's like a value system passed on through generations that we get up early, take a bath and visit Sarasbaug for Diwali Pahat. The Sarasbaug is lined with thousands of diyas and rangolis drawn with flower petals making the garden look charming than ever. This year it will be different than ever," said Rajashree Patne, who has been visiting Sarasbaug since the last nine years.

The gardens are cleaned regularly. However, the rains in the last few days created flood-like situations here leading destruction such as trees were uprooted as well as a playground with toys and equipment were damaged too.