Warkaris to have more access to ambulances

Warkaris to have more access to ambulances

Pune: While plastic ban and anti-encroachment drives are the top priority of the district administration this ‘Ashadhi Wari’ season, this year the ‘warkaris’ (pilgrims) will also have access to more ambulance facility along with bike ambulance for better response during emergency needs. 

The Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), which runs the 108 ambulance service in the city will be providing total 75 ambulances on the palkhi (procession) route from Alandi to Pandharpur. 

Speaking about the services Dr Dnyaneshwar Shelke, Chief Operating Officer at MEMS said that 10 bike ambulances will also be provided for immediate response and care. “We will also set up a control room for providing such services,” added Shelke.

Speaking about the preparedness of Wari this year, District Collector Naval Kishore Ram said, “I have instructed all my officials to be focused on Wari preparation.” Additional Collector Ramesh Kale said that this year focus will be on banning plastic items during the Wari. “Similarly, we are also focusing on cleanliness on the route. We will be installing water tankers at different locations on the route for water services to pilgrims. Other necessary services will also be ready by July 5,” added Kale.

Officials will also be conducting anti-encroachment drives on the Wari route so that there are no untoward incidents on the route. This year the Wari procession will start on July 5.

The pilgrimage attracts more than 2 lakh devotees who participate in the Wari every year. Due to the massive number, the pilgrims face problems of sanitation, drinking water, toilets and shelter on the route.

Serving pilgrims
Year           No. of pilgrims served by MEMS

2014                               178 
2015                               261 
2016                               592 
2017                               823

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