Missing and Broken Drain Covers on Pune-Solapur Highway Pose Threat Ahead of Pandharpur Wari Palkhi
Missing and Broken Drain Covers on Pune-Solapur Highway Pose Threat Ahead of Pandharpur Wari Palkhi
Pune | June 2, 2025 – Several drain covers (chambers) along both sides of the Hadapsar to Kawadipat stretch of the Pune-Solapur Highway are either missing or broken, raising serious safety concerns just as the monsoon begins and the Jagatguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession nears.
According to Rahul Ramchandra Shewale, General Secretary of BJP Pune District, the open and damaged chambers are leading to water accumulation, as some people are dumping garbage into the drains. This stagnant water and lack of proper drainage are causing inconvenience to pedestrians and vehicle users alike, with multiple incidents of accidents being reported due to people falling into open drains.
Shewale stated that he has repeatedly raised this issue with municipal officials and emphasized the urgent need for action before the start of the Palakhi procession. “Lakhs of Warkaris (devotees) will be walking on this route. Open drains without proper covers on both sides of the highway pose a serious risk to their safety,” he warned.
He has appealed to the concerned authorities to immediately clean and repair the drainage lines on both sides of the Pune-Solapur Highway and install high-quality covers over all open chambers to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the general public during the monsoon season.
