Every year, lakhs of people gather at the ‘Jay Stambh’ to pay tribute on the anniversary of the 1818 battle fought between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy, which took place on January 1.
This year, a massive turnout is expected, with political parties and activists fueling the attendance ahead of the upcoming elections. To manage the crowd, stringent security measures are being implemented at Jay Stambh, including traffic diversions and free PMPML buses arranged for the occasion.
In preparation for the Vijaystambh Ansamhura ceremony at Perne Phata on January 1, 2025, District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase has directed relevant departments to plan thoroughly and provide necessary facilities for the expected influx of followers.
Dr. Diwase addressed the issue during a review meeting last week at the District Collector’s Office. The meeting, attended by Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma, BARTI Director General Sunil Ware, Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam, and other officials, focused on ensuring a smooth event.
पेरणेफाटा येथे १ जानेवारी २०२५ रोजी आयोजित #विजयस्तंभ अभिवादन सोहळ्याकरीता येणाऱ्या अनुयायींना आवश्यक त्या सोयीसुविधा पुरवण्यासाठी संबंधित विभागांनी उत्तम नियोजन करावे-विजयस्तंभ अभिवादन सोहळ्याच्या अनुषंगाने जिल्हाधिकारी कार्यालयात आयोजित आढावा बैठकीत जिल्हाधिकारी डॉ. सुहास दिवसे pic.twitter.com/tp4P1T0rSA
— DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICE, PUNE (@Info_Pune) December 13, 2024
Additional metro services proposed
Dr. Diwase emphasized the need for additional metro services to accommodate followers traveling between December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, for the ceremony. He also noted that the number of buses in service has increased compared to last year. To ensure convenience, he suggested setting up restrooms along roads for followers and implementing traffic management plans to avoid congestion on the event day. Information boards with clear instructions should be installed at strategic locations to guide people to the facilities.
The District Collector stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the area and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. He also proposed establishing a help center and control room to assist attendees. Coordination among all relevant departments is vital for providing a seamless experience to the followers.
The review also covered other critical aspects, including the beautification of the Vijaystambh area, adequate lighting, stall arrangements, parking, transportation, health services, drinking water, road repairs, construction of temporary toilets, cleanliness carts, firefighting provisions, electrical systems, the Hirkani room, and disaster management.
Batlle of Bhima Koregaon
The 207th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle will witness a convergence of thousands of Dalits, predominantly Ambedkarites, from across the nation to pay homage at the ‘Jay Stambh’ in Pune’s Perne village.
Erected in 1821 by the British, the ‘Jay Stambh’ commemorates the historic battle that saw the defeat of Peshwa Bajirao II by the British Army, mainly composed of Dalit Mahars. During the battle on January 1, 1818, around 500 Dalit Mahar soldiers overcame the 28,000-strong force of upper-caste Peshwas. This event holds deep significance for Dalits, symbolising their fight against alleged oppressive Peshwa casteism.
