Pune : The Pune district is gearing up to host the prestigious international ‘Pune Grand Tour’ cycling competition from January 19 to 23. This grand event will see participation from professional cyclists representing 40 different countries. While inspecting the competition route in the Kapurhol area on Tuesday, District Collector Jitendra Dudi issued essential directives to the local administration and residents. He emphasized that hosting such a global event is a moment of immense pride for the villages along the route and the entire district.
Focus on Village Cleanliness and Safety Standards The District Collector highlighted that the competition will be broadcast live in 40 countries, providing a global platform to showcase the beauty of local villages. Consequently, he has ordered special cleanliness drives and ensured that all roads remain completely free of obstacles. Appealing to the villagers for cooperation, he urged them to ensure that pets or livestock do not stray onto the roads during the race to guarantee the safety of the international athletes. Furthermore, he encouraged locals to welcome the foreign guests with enthusiasm while dressed in traditional attire.
Rapid Infrastructure Development and Tight Security During the inspection, the Collector noted that various administrative departments have worked in coordination to complete road repairs and construction in record time. To enhance safety, specialized barricades have been installed at dangerous 180-degree turns and throughout the ‘ghat’ (mountain pass) sections. A robust security plan has been established, including the appointment of a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) every 10 kilometers, alongside a continuous police presence along the entire route. Additionally, volunteers from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS) will be deployed to assist in managing the event.
Community Engagement and Administrative Oversight As part of his visit, Collector Dudi held meetings in several regions, including Kapurhol, Purandar, Kasurdi, Karanjawane, and Khed Shivapur, to foster direct communication with local representatives and villagers. He sought their active cooperation to ensure the event’s success. The inspection was attended by MLA Shankar Mandekar, Sub-Divisional Officer Dr. Vikas Kharat, Tehsildar Rajendra Najan, and senior engineers from the Public Works Department, who provided detailed progress reports on the ongoing preparations.
