Pune Municipal Corporation to Seek Dry Day Declaration for Shiv Jayanti
Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram announced on Tuesday that the civic body will formally request the district collector to declare a Dry Day in the city on February 19. This date marks the birth anniversary of the revered Maratha king, Shivaji.
The decision comes in direct response to persistent demands from various social organizations across Pune. These groups have been advocating for the prohibition of liquor sales and service on this significant day.
Formal Request to District Administration
"We will initiate written communication with the Pune collector for declaring a Dry Day on February 19," Commissioner Ram stated clearly. He emphasized that this action honors the birth anniversary of the great Maratha king.
The district administration, along with state and Union governments, holds the authority to officially declare Dry Days. Such declarations typically occur during national holidays, important religious festivals, and election periods. They serve to respect cultural sentiments and maintain public order.
Comprehensive Arrangements for Celebrations
Social organizations have presented multiple requests to the PMC for the upcoming Shiv Jayanti celebrations. They seek a dedicated pathway for processions and proper arrangements for resident convenience.
Commissioner Ram outlined several measures the civic body will implement:
- The PMC will coordinate with Pune traffic police to designate alternative routes for regular traffic, preventing chaos along procession paths.
- Traffic wardens will be deployed along the procession route to manage movement smoothly.
- The corporation will undertake city-wide cleanliness and beautification drives specifically for the occasion.
- Overhead cables that might obstruct processions will be removed proactively.
- A special team of civic officers will visit various city locations to resolve any issues promptly.
Honoring Shivaji's Legacy
The municipal commissioner detailed additional plans to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's memory. All statues of the Maratha king in public spaces will receive thorough cleaning before the festival. These statues will be ceremoniously garlanded on February 19 itself.
Lal Mahal, where Shivaji spent his formative childhood years, will receive special attention. The historic structure will be cleaned, decorated, and kept open for extended hours. This allows citizens to visit conveniently and pay their respects.
PMC-run schools will organize various student competitions centered on Shivaji's life and values. These include painting contests, elocution events, drama performances, and fancy dress competitions.
Addressing Practical Concerns
Social organizations have raised specific practical requirements for the procession day. They have requested drinking water facilities, mobile toilets, and mobile clinics along the procession route on February 19.
Additionally, these groups advocate for a streamlined, single-window system to obtain permissions for organizing Shiv Jayanti processions. This would simplify administrative procedures significantly.
Commissioner Ram has asked social organization representatives to submit their written suggestions regarding celebration plans. The PMC aims to incorporate feasible ideas into their official arrangements.
Various social organizations traditionally hold processions on Shivaji Jayanti across Pune. These events promote the enduring values and teachings of the legendary Maratha king, fostering community spirit and historical awareness.
