Pune Diwali: Shortage of Soil for Fort-Making Tradition Raises Concern; Demand for PMC Action
A shortage of soil for building traditional forts during Diwali has reportedly become a concern in several parts of Pune. Parents and residents say children are struggling to find soil for creating replicas of forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Prashant Kanojia, State Organiser of Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNSV) and Kothrud Citizen Forum, has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to arrange soil distribution centres across the city.
Soil Shortage Affects Diwali Fort-Making Tradition
Diwali in Maharashtra is traditionally associated with children creating replicas of forts built during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The activity introduces young generations to the history of the Maratha Empire, the importance of forts and the inspiration of Swarajya.
However, this year, residents and parents in several parts of Pune have reportedly been facing difficulties in finding soil for making these traditional forts.
The issue has raised concerns among citizens, who say that the availability of soil is essential to preserving this cultural tradition for children.
Demand for PMC Intervention
Prashant Kanojia, State Organiser of Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena and Kothrud Citizen Forum, has appealed to the Pune Municipal Corporation to treat the issue as more than just a matter of soil availability, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.
He has urged the civic administration to take immediate steps to ensure that children and families can access soil before Diwali.
Four Key Demands Placed Before the Civic Administration
Kanojia has put forward the following demands:
- Official distribution centres: The PMC should establish centres to provide soil for fort-making within the jurisdiction of every ward office.
- Collection of excess soil: Clean excess soil from construction activities should be collected and made available to citizens without causing environmental damage.
- Free or affordable soil: Soil should be provided free of cost or at nominal rates to schools, local mandals and children.
- Advance distribution planning: The civic body should plan soil distribution before Diwali and publicly announce the arrangements.
Questions Raised Over Soil Availability
Kanojia has questioned how children in Pune are unable to access even a small quantity of soil for building traditional forts despite large-scale construction and development projects taking place across the city.
He has appealed to the municipal administration not to let the shortage of soil affect a tradition that connects children with the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The demand highlights the need for civic arrangements that support traditional Diwali celebrations while ensuring responsible collection and distribution of soil.