PUNE: Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday asked the district administration to initiate tough action against those responsible for the drowning of Palkhi bearers, a 30-year-old woman and her daughter, in the gushing rain waters near Katraj tunnel on the Pune-Satara highway on Thursday.

Pawar also asked the administration to take a firm stand against illegal constructions that were hampering natural habitats and blocking flow of rain water. He was speaking to reporters after a review meeting ahead of the annual Palkhi processions to Pandharpur.

"I have asked the district collector, commissioners of both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations to take strict action against those involved in illegal constructions especially those encroaching and restricting natural water flow," said Pawar.

Pawar asked the contractors and departmental officials responsible for construction works to study the flow of water in nullahs and streams and protect them. "Many a times contractors do not keep adequate channels to allow the natural flow of water which leads to mishaps like the one that took place at Shindewadi on Thursday. It is the responsibility of the administration to restrict such illegal constructions," said Pawar.

Speaking about monsoon preparedness, Pawar said the government has taken steps to lay underground cable network for supply of electricity to ensure uninterrupted power supply during rains.

Earlier, addressing the meeting to discuss preparations for the annual Palkhi procession, Pawar asked devotees not to put up welcome arches on the palkhi routes. "All elected representatives present at the meeting have agreed not to put up welcome archs," he said.

Pawar said that the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations have been urged to reschedule timings of schools on the day of palkhis entering the city.

Pawar further said that the government would initiate steps to reserve plot of lands required for overnight stay and halts of palkhis. The committees who organize and plan the processions have said that they would not mind if plots were made available at a distance of 3 to 4 kms from villages.

Pawar also instructed the respective departments to make arrangements for the required stock of kerosene, LPG cylinders and water tankers. He instructed the irrigation department to reserve water in Neera left bank canal, right bank canal and Khadakwasla canal during the processions.

Pawar also asked the RTO to keep a check on vehicles that will move with the palkhi processions.