PUNE, June 23, 2013: Days before the start of the annual Palkhi processions, the district authorities have initiated steps remove encroachments along the Palkhiroutes. In a recent drive, encroachments and illegal structures in Alandi town were removed by the local municipal council.

More than 100 structures including temporary shed, huts, road-side hotels, tea-centers erected by vendors were removed. On the second day, the administration removed illegal structures near oldoctroi post, Dehuroadphata and temple area. Notices had already been issued to the owners and they were asked to vacate the spaces that were encroached for many years.

"Removal of illegal structures and encroachments will help regulate traffic and movement of lakhs of devotees who will visit the Alanditown when the Palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar departs on June 29", said an official from district administration.

The officials further said that similar drive to remove encroachments has been planned in other towns along the Palkhi route. The drive will be commenced on Pune-Alandi road and also in Dehu town in next two days. The Palkhi of SantTukaram is scheduled to depart fromDehu in the coming week.

Besides removal of encroachments, the administration also has undertaken road repair works along the route. The Palkhi of SantDnyaneshwar will travel via Saswad, whileSantTukaramPalkhi will go via Solapur road.

Sources: The Times of India, DT. June 23, 2013.