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Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
Rural police use anti-drone guns to pull down illegally flown drones during palkhi processions
Pune: The Pune Rural police have deployed two anti-drone guns to take down unauthorised drones during the palkhi processions of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj. So far, police have shot down six drones operated by photographers without obtaining the necessary permissions. Confirming, superintendent of police, Pune Rural, Sandeep Singh Gill, said, "We will not tolerate this nuisance. Our teams are keeping an eye on the drones illegally flown during the processions. We are using anti-drone guns to pull them down." The police have registered six FIRs against the drone users and operators under Section 223 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of BNS with various police stations. "We have issued notices to these drone operators asking them to cooperate with the investigation," Gill said. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune The police would continue to use the anti-drone guns over the next four days and appealed to the drone operators to take necessary permissions from the police. An anti-drone gun breaks all the electronic signals used to operate the drone and its camera when it is airborne. "Drone operators capture footage of the palkhis on Pune-Jejuri Road and Pune-Solapur highway for personal or social media use. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo However, flying drones in these areas requires legal permission due to nearby vital installations where filming is prohibited," an officer said. The Pune city police have also filed four cases against drone operators and seized the devices. The Pune Rural police acquired two anti-drone guns last year after repeated complaints from villagers in areas like Ambegaon, Maval and Junnar about mysterious lights in the night sky, particularly near water bodies. Though police patrols found no evidence, they suspected unauthorised drone use might be causing the concern among locals. As per DGCA guidelines, drone operators or owners need to get prior permission from local police for video shoots. Centre has banned the use of drones near sensitive installations and other important offices.


Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Pune Metro records over 5.45 lakh riders in two days as major roads closed due to Waris
With major roads closed due to the Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi processions, the Pune Metro witnessed a massive surge in ridership over two consecutive days recording over 5.45 lakh passengers on Friday and Saturday. On Friday (June 20), the metro saw its highest-ever single-day ridership of 319,066 passengers as both citizens and Warkaris opted for metro travel over congested roads. Of the 319,066 passengers, 150,385 commuters travelled on line 1 (PCMC to Swargate) while 168,681 used line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi). The high ridership trend continued on Saturday, June 21, with 226,600 passengers using the metro. On that day, line 1 saw 113,366 riders and line 2 had 113,234 riders. These figures are nearly double the average daily ridership on both corridors. Several Warkaris also took the metro to visit relatives living in the suburbs, enjoying the convenient and fast travel. The high ridership trend continued on Saturday, June 21, with 226,600 passengers using the metro. (HT) This surge in numbers comes as traffic curbs were imposed across central Pune and along roads connecting to Pimpri-Chinchwad, due to the halts of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhis or palanquins. Most Peth areas remained closed to private vehicles, pushing commuters towards public transport. Several Warkaris were seen purchasing tickets and exploring the stations near key city landmarks. Hemant Sonawane, director (public relations and administration), Pune Metro, said, 'Many Warkaris and residents chose the metro not just for convenience, but also to experience the ride for the first time. The ridership is higher compared to the corresponding period during last year's Wari procession. This year, we started the Civil Court to Swargate stretch where most of the Warkaris stayed during the Wari. It is a busy part of the city, so many local residents also opted for the metro.' Last year, Pune Metro's highest single-day ridership was 199,437 on June 30 during the Wari. The record before that was 168,012 on August 15, 2023. Mandar Deshmukh, a commuter from Kothrud who travelled to Kalyani Nagar, said, 'Because of roadblocks for the Wari procession, I decided to try the metro. It was fast, comfortable, and saved me from all the traffic chaos. I easily reached my destination without any stress.'


Indian Express
21-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Thousands of citizens line up as Pimpri-Chinchwad bids adieu to palkhis
THE Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi was given a rousing farewell by thousands of citizens who lined up the Pune-Mumbai highway which passes through the Akurdi's city's limits. At the same time, the industrial city first welcomed the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi which entered the civic limits this morning. The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi left Akurdi around 5 am. 'Like every year, the citizens of Akurdi gave shelter to various 'dindis' and made meal arrangements for the warkaris' said Iklas Sayeed, a local activist. Throughout the night, citizens from across Pimpri-Chinchwad crowded Akurdi to have a darshan of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj which were carried in the palkhi to Pandharpur, a distance of 250 km. Around 5 am, the palkhi procession then left Akurdi. 'The Palkhi procession reached HA premises in Pimpri around 6.30. And after breakfast by the warkaris, the palkhi left for Pune City around 8.15 am. This time, it left half an hour early,' said former corporators Geeta Mancharkar. The palkhi was then given a rousing welcome by citizens who had lined up on both sides of the highway between Vallabh Nagar and Nashik Phata. From Nashik Phata to Dapodi, citizens rushed forth at every short distance to have a darshan of the palkhi. 'Entire Pimpri Chinchwad wore a festive look today…It rained early morning, there were clouds but there was bright sunshine when the palkhi started its journey to Pune city ,' said Sapna Landge, a homemaker, who like thousands of others waited anxiously on the highway since early morning. Devotees also distributed biscuits and bananas, others reached out to the warkaris with tea cups, water bottles and a breakfast of pohas and vada pavs. In the Phugewadi-Dapodi area, a team of doctors had also set up a tent to examine and provide medicines to the warkaris. Several housing societies hosted the 'dindis' by making arrangements of their meals. 'Like every year, our society hosted one 'dindi,' which had nearly 200 warkaris. We had prepared the meal early in the morning. All the society members contributed towards the expenses,' said Sanjay Tope, chairman of Goyal Residency, Kasarwadi. The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession reached Dapodi around 12 noon where the warkaris took rest and had lunch. The procession then left for Pune City later in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession which left Alandi this morning was given a warm welcome by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Commission Commissioner Shekhar Singh, along with Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinaykumar Choube, at Magazine Chowk in Dighi. PCMC had set up a special welcome centre at Magazine Chowk, where Commissioner Singh and senior officers joined in the celebration by matching steps to devotional rhythms, officials said. As a gesture of respect, PCMC presented the 'maanachi dindi' (honourable dindi) with eco-friendly cloth bags, seeds of indigenous trees, Tulsi saplings, information booklets, and first-aid kits. The initiative reflected the civic body's commitment to both tradition and sustainability. To mark the occasion, students and teachers from PCMC's Sant Tukaram Maharaj Santpeeth School performed soulful abhang recitals, adding a cultural and devotional layer to the proceedings. The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi procession proceeds from Dighi, Vishrantwadi to join the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession at Wakdewadi.


News18
20-06-2025
- News18
Pune Gears Up For Palkhi 2025: List Of Key Routes, Traffic Advisory Issued
Last Updated: Pune is preparing for the Palkhi processions on June 19 and 20 this year Thousands of devotees are expected to arrive for Pune's annual Palkhi processions of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj on June 19 and 20. In preparation, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued detailed safety and traffic guidelines. The advisory aims to manage the large crowds drawn by this deeply respected tradition observed by pilgrims from all over Maharashtra. As part of the advisory, 1,494 hoarding agencies within PCMC limits have been asked to check and strengthen their hoardings, especially those along the Palkhi routes, according to Times Now. Since large crowds are expected, officials have emphasised the importance of making sure these structures are safe. The PCMC has also warned that any agency found careless about safety may face strict action. The PCMC has reportedly shared a list of main routes under its limits that will be used for the Palkhi processions to help people stay informed. These routes include: Nigdi to Dapodi, Dehu to Alandi, and Dighi to Bopkhel. Heavy foot traffic is expected on these roads, and residents are advised to avoid travelling through these areas unless necessary during the procession days. Palkhi Procession 2025: Real-Time Updates The Pune Police will provide live updates on the Palkhi's movement through their official social media handles. For information on traffic conditions and alternative routes during the procession, people can visit: To manage the Palkhi processions smoothly, the PCMC, along with local police, is putting traffic diversions and extra security measures in place. Roads along the main routes will have closures, detours, and no-parking zones to avoid traffic jams and ensure safe passage for devotees. Concerned officials are also preparing crowd management steps, such as deploying marshals and setting up first-aid teams at important points. Residents and businesses along the procession paths are urged to support these efforts by staying updated on road changes and following safety guidelines to help the event run safely and efficiently. Palkhi 2025: Know More About It The Palkhi processions go beyond tradition—they are a powerful expression of faith and unity, reflecting Maharashtra's rich devotional culture. Pilgrims march together, singing devotional songs (abhangas) and carrying the symbolic footwear of saints Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar as a mark of respect and humility. As preparations continue, the PCMC has assured that the 2025 Palkhi will be both spiritually fulfilling and safely managed. Citizens are advised to check the official PCMC website for the latest updates on route maps, traffic changes, and emergency contacts.


Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi arrives in Pimpri-Chinchwad to a warm welcome
Amidst intermittent rain, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession arrived in Pimpri-Chinchwad around 5 pm on Thursday to a warm welcome from hundreds of people who had gathered at Bhakti Shakti Junction in Nigdi. The palkhi procession will take an overnight halt in Akurdi before leaving for Pandharpur on Friday morning. The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession took off from Dehu on Wednesday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present when the palkhi commenced its annual prilgrimage. After a day's halt, it started its onward journey on Thursday. On the other hand, the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi procession left the temple town of Alandi in the morning. It will stay put at Gandhi Wada Alandi and will leave for Pandharpur on Friday morning. Both the palkhis will first reach Pune city by Friday afternoon and will take a day's rest before moving for its onward journey. During their halt in Pune city, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi will be stationed at Nivdunga Vithal temple while the Sant Dyanewshwar Maharaj Palkhi will rest at Vithoba temple The Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi procession left Inamdar Wada in Dehu at its appointed hour of 10.30 am unmindful of the heavy drizzle. When the palkhi procession reached Nigdi Chowk, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, MLA Mahesh Landge, MLC Uma Khapre, PCMC city engineer Makrand Nikam, additional commissioners Pradeep Jambhle Patil, Vijaykumar Kharote and several other officials were present. Like every year, the 'dindi' chiefs were felicitated by the PCMC administration. Both the palkhis will reach Pandharpur, the abode of Lord Vitthal on July 16, the Ashadhi Ekadashi day. Special focus on Palkhi procession With the Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram palkhi processions entering PCMC limits, civic teams are working in mission mode to ensure a smooth and safe passage for Warkaris, the PCMC administration said. Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has directed all departments to ensure 'zero waterlogging' along the Palkhi route. A targeted cleanliness drive is underway, with special attention on stormwater chamber tops to avoid garbage-induced blockages. Emergency response units with mechanised equipment have been deployed at critical points across Bhosari, Dighi, and Nigdi, the civic administration said.