In order to save time and prevent cheating during pilgrimage, sub-divisional officer (SDO) of Ambegaon tehsil, has banned the use of ‘gangajal’ in the pujas performed at Bhimashankar temple.
The decision has been taken after incidents of locals duping people by selling them tap water as ‘gangajal’ came to the fore.
After a period of 18 years, district administration has also banned the use of plastic bags. Plastic is banned in the three square kilometre periphery of the temple.
The picturesque sanctuary of Bhimashankar which will hit the spotlight on Mahashivratri this Thursday, is expected to attract at least 3,00,000 pilgrims from all over the country. They will add to the alarming garbage pollution.
Though the ban on plastic was imposed by former district collector Vijyakumar Gauntam, however, the district administrations has never succeeded in implementing the order effectively.
The pilgrim place is located about 135 km from Pune. This beautiful sanctuary is perched at the pinnacle of Sahyadri ranges in the northern parts of Pune district, overlooking the coastal district of Thane. The centre is one of the 12 important ‘jyotirlingas’ of the country.
In a meeting held between the sub-divisional officer of Ambegaon, forest department and members of the stall owners, the ban has been imposed since Monday.
Speaking to dna, SDO Dattatray Kavitake of Ambegaon, said, “We have taken unanimous decision to impose ban on all forms of plastic. Though, the decision was made a few years ago, it could not be implemented effectively. But this time, we are going to deploy extra manpower of forest department in the area for the purpose. With the help of the police, the forest department officials will take necessary action against violators.”
On being asked why ‘gangajal’ has been banned, Kavitake said, “We have seen locals fill water in taps and sell them as gangajal. Moreover, they sell this water in plastic bottles. To prevent such activities, we have decided to ban it. Besides, pilgrims uses water for pooja at the sanctum and thus it takes extra time. Consequently, the queue goes longer in the temple.”
d_sandip@dnaindia.net
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}