PUNE: As Maharashtra prepares for assembly elections, political leaders in Pune are turning to religious tourism as a means to connect with voters. From organising Ashtavinayak tours to trips to Bhimashankar and even Ayodhya, candidates across political parties are actively arranging pilgrimages for their constituents. Many candidates are organising similar tours, and given the participation of senior citizens, one-day trips …
Ahead of ‘Shravan,’ the forest department has increased vigilance at the Bhimashankar Sanctuary, as thousands of devotees will start visiting the vicinity from August 5 onwards. The temple is surrounded by dense forest and several waterfalls, so, the forest department has increased vigilance in the area to keep a check on waste management and the safety of tourists, said officials. …
