Administration Must Remain Vigilant for Devotees Participating in Ashadhi Wari – Minister of State Meghana Sakore-Bordikar

Mumbai : Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Welfare, Water Supply, Sanitation, Energy, and Public Works (Public Undertakings), Meghana Sakore-Bordikar has directed the administration to remain vigilant and ensure proper arrangements for the millions of Warkaris (devotees) participating in the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage beginning today. She emphasized the need to provide clean drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, and other essential facilities along the Wari route, and called for permanent infrastructure to be developed for pilgrims.

She issued these directives during a review meeting held at Nirmal Bhavan, organized in preparation for the Ashadhi Wari. The meeting was attended virtually by the Divisional Commissioner of Pune, District Collectors of Pune and Solapur, and Chief Executive Officers of respective Zilla Parishads.

Sakore-Bordikar stressed that adequate tankers and sanitized water sources must be made available to Warkaris. She also instructed that Hirakani rooms (women rest centers) be fully equipped with necessary facilities. Special focus, she said, should be placed on sanitation and waste management, and village panchayats along the Palkhi (palanquin) route should be informed accordingly. She urged all departments to work in coordination to ensure that this year’s Wari is a “Clean Wari, Safe Wari, and Devotional Wari.”

She called for strengthening health services along the route, maintaining an ample supply of medicines, and ensuring timely treatment for patients. Noting that COVID-19 cases are still being reported in some areas, she advised the administration to stay alert, conduct proper screenings, and take necessary precautions.

Regarding energy safety, she instructed the electricity department to manage live wires properly to prevent accidents. With heavy rainfall anticipated this year, she recommended the setup of waterproof tents and German hangars for shelter. She also stressed the importance of a smooth traffic management system, requiring coordination between the police and administration. Instructions were also issued to mobile network providers to maintain stable connectivity throughout the pilgrimage.

Minister Sakore-Bordikar concluded by saying, “Warkaris walk to Pandharpur carrying only their faith. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that they face no hardships in their journey.”

The meeting was attended by senior officials from concerned departments, district administration, and the police force.