35 Devotees Safely Rescued from Chandrabhaga River Under Collector S. Karthikeyan’s Guidance

Pandharpur, July 27, 2026: A major tragedy was averted during the Ashadhi Wari 2026 in Pandharpur after the District Disaster Management Authority’s rescue team swiftly saved devotees from the Chandrabhaga riverbed.  

Over the six-day period from July 21 to July 26, a total of 35 citizens were safely rescued from the rising waters of the river.  

The entire rescue operation was conducted under the guidance of District Collector and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, Mr. S. Karthikeyan, along with Additional Collector Mr. Ganesh Nirhali and Resident Deputy Collector Mr. Abhijit Patil. The on-ground operations were directly supervised by District Disaster Management Officer and Nodal Officer, Mr. Shaktishagar Dhole.Due to heavy pilgrim footfall during the Wari and the release of water from the Ujani and Nira dams, the water level in the Chandrabhaga river had risen significantly, creating a dangerous situation for devotees entering the riverbed. In response, the district administration maintained 24-hour patrols and kept rescue teams and equipment on high alert along the riverbanks.

Daily Rescue Report:

July 21, 2026: 3 persons rescued  
July 22, 2026: 7 persons rescued  
July 23, 2026: 0  
July 24, 2026: 9 persons rescued  
July 25, 2026: 15 persons rescued  
July 26, 2026: 1 person rescued

Administrative Vigilance and Coordination 

 District Collector S. Karthikeyan personally reviewed the rescue operations daily. Home Guards, divers, and NDRF personnel were deployed at strategic points along the riverbank. Barricades, life jackets, and public announcements were used at vulnerable spots to alert devotees.  Thanks to the timely and coordinated efforts of the team led by District Disaster Management Officer Shaktishagar Dhole, no loss of life was reported. The swift action has been widely appreciated by the public.  The administration has once again appealed to devotees not to enter the riverbed as water levels continue to rise. Children and elderly pilgrims have been especially urged to exercise caution.