PMC Approves Permanent Policy and Dedicated Budget for Chhath Puja Arrangements in Pune
Pune, 12 November 2026 — The PMC Chhath Puja policy Pune has officially taken a major step forward. In a landmark move towards cultural inclusion and better civic management, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Standing Committee has approved a proposal to establish a permanent annual policy and dedicated budgetary allocation for the festival.
The proposal, tabled by corporator and Standing Committee member Suhas Vijay Tingre, aims to replace the annual rush of last-minute arrangements with a systematic, safe, and dignified framework for devotees.
Chhath Puja is a major four-day festival observed primarily by the Bihari and North Indian communities. It involves rigorous rituals dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and requires access to clean water bodies for offerings. As Pune’s demographic continues to diversify, participation in the festival has grown steadily, with large gatherings occurring at rivers, lakes, and temporary sites. The new policy seeks to address the recurring challenges of infrastructure, sanitation, safety, and crowd management that arise from these growing numbers.
Key Features of the PMC Chhath Puja Policy Pune
The PMC Chhath Puja policy Pune outlines a structured set of safety and security measures designed to prevent accidents and manage large crowds.
- Advance Site Inspections: Identifying suitable and safe locations across the city well in advance.
- Artificial Ponds and Ghats: Constructing controlled, temporary water bodies and ghats wherever natural sources are insufficient or unsafe.
- Sanitation: Ensuring thorough cleanliness, systematic waste management, and proper collection of nirmalya (ritual offerings) at all designated sites.
- Essential Amenities: Providing safe drinking water, water tankers, adequate lighting, generators, and clear directional signboards.
- Women-Centric Facilities: Setting up separate changing rooms and dedicated facilities exclusively for women devotees.
- Comprehensive Safety: Deploying CCTV surveillance, barricades, police personnel, fire brigade teams, lifeguards, and on-site medical support.
The proposal specifically mandates that preparations must begin at least one month before the festival. It also encourages the active involvement of local Chhath Puja committees, social organizations, and residents to make the arrangements more community-oriented and effective.
A Step Towards Inclusive Governance
Speaking on the broader civic responsibility behind the move, Tingre emphasized, “Pune is a city that respects all religions, languages and cultures. It is the responsibility of the municipal corporation to ensure that every citizen can follow their religious beliefs and cultural traditions safely and with dignity. The objective behind this proposal was to avoid the last-minute rush every year and ensure a permanent policy backed by adequate financial provisions for Chhath Puja celebrations.”
The initiative draws inspiration from the structured arrangements already implemented by the municipal corporations of Mumbai and Thane, which have institutionalized similar support for the festival.
A Deep Dive into the Safety Measures
The approval of the permanent policy brings with it a highly detailed set of safety and security protocols designed to prevent accidents, manage crowds, and provide emergency response. Here is a breakdown of how the PMC plans to execute this:
1. Crowd and Site Control
To prevent overcrowding and stampedes, the PMC will install barricades to control crowd flow and create orderly queues near water edges. Temporary ghats and artificial ponds will offer shallower, controlled water access, reducing the risks associated with deep or flowing natural water bodies.
2. Water Safety and Emergency Response
Drowning prevention is a top priority. Lifeguards will be stationed at all water bodies and artificial ponds, particularly during the early morning and evening arghya rituals when visibility can be low. Furthermore, fire brigade personnel will be kept on standby, and on-site medical teams will be available to handle heat-related issues, exhaustion, or injuries.
3. Surveillance and Security
Real-time monitoring will be conducted via CCTV cameras installed at major celebration sites. Police deployment will manage law and order, alongside traffic regulation around the venues.
4. Women-Specific Safety and Dignity
Recognizing that women form a large part of the participants, the policy mandates separate changing rooms exclusively for women devotees, ensuring privacy, safety, and comfort.
5. Supporting Infrastructure
To ensure the safety of devotees during pre-dawn and evening rituals, the PMC will provide adequate lighting and backup generators. Clean drinking water and tankers will be available to prevent dehydration, while systematic nirmalya collection will maintain hygiene and reduce slip hazards.
The Bigger Picture
While the exact quantum of the dedicated budget has not been specified in the current approval, the Standing Committee’s nod paves the way for its inclusion in the PMC’s annual financial planning. Officials are expected to work out detailed cost estimates, location lists, and implementation timelines in the coming weeks.
This development is being viewed as a progressive civic step that balances religious freedom with practical urban management. By moving beyond temporary measures towards institutional recognition of diverse traditions, the PMC is ensuring safety, hygiene, and accessibility while honoring the sentiments of a significant section of Pune’s population.
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