Pune: In a special announcement, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has declared an extension of park timings on the occasion of "Kojagari Purnima," which falls on 16th October 2024.

As per Section 66(10) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, the provision and maintenance of parks, gardens, and open spaces for public recreation are mandatory for all municipal corporations.

The PMC currently oversees 211 parks, an aquarium, and a zoo within its jurisdiction, spread across 15 ward offices.

These parks are regularly maintained and beautified by the Garden Department, and they attract a large number of visitors, including citizens, children, and even foreign tourists.

On Kojagari Purnima, it is expected that the parks will see an increase in visitors as people celebrate the festival, which is traditionally marked by gatherings and moon-gazing.

In light of the festivities, the PMC has decided to extend the operational hours of all parks within its limits. On 16th October, parks will remain open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the morning and again from 4:30 PM until midnight.

This move aims to accommodate the large number of citizens who traditionally visit parks on Kojagari Purnima to enjoy the serene environment and cultural gatherings under the full moon.

Chief Garden Superintendent Ashok Ghorpade urged citizens to take full advantage of the extended hours and participate in the festival by visiting the parks. He stated that the Garden Department has ensured that the parks are well-maintained and safe for the public to enjoy the celebration.