The Gazetteers Department

Pancgani, [Contributed for the first edition by the Rev. M. Burgess, Head master Panchgani High School and revised subsequently.]. (Mahabalesvar Peta; 17� 55'N, 73� 45' E; RS. Wathar 28 m. SE; p. 4,538) in Mahabalesvar peta about eleven miles Description, east of Mahabalesvar, is a small health-resort on the Surul-Mahabalesvar road 4,378 feet above sea level. Pancgani is connected to Poona and Wathar (nearest railway station) which are at a distance of 63 and 28 miles respectively by State Transport service. The village, lies with five others on a Sahyadri spur which juts out at Mahabalesvar and terminates about a mile from Wai. Resembling mostly in climatic and other conditions it can be termed the 'Switzerland of India'. Situated to the lee of Mahabalesvar and about 200 feet lower, it escapes the heavy rain and fog of the outer range which are carried away into the valleys to the north and south. It is also happily shielded from the east wind by being built under a large extent of tableland. The magnificent scenery of the Krshna valley extending for many miles from east to west with its numerous hamlets, highly cultivated fields, and picturesque river, can be seen along the whole northern ridge of the mountain. Though less extensive, the southern aspect is even more beautiful. The geological formation of Pancgani is volcanic as is the rest of the Deccan. While all along the road up the hills from Wai to Dhandeghar two miles from Pancgani trap is found; the soil on the hill top has a large admixture of oxide of iron which reddens the stratum into laterite.

Climate.

Considered as a sanatorium, Pancgani stands almost unrivalled. With a temperature like that of Mahabalesvar it has the eminent advantage over that charming health resort of being comfortably habitable throughout the year.

The climate is cool, salubrious and comparatively dry. It is excellently adapted for both adults and children but for children especially it is unsurpassed in India. The average rainfall is fifty-six inches or about a fifth of that of Mahabalesvar. The mean temperature at noon is 71� and the mean daily range only 6�.

Population.

The population of the town according to 1951 Census was 4,538. Of this the agricultural classes number 143 and the non-agricultural classes 4,395; of the latter, 665 persons derive their principal means of livelihood from production other than cultivation; 756 persons from commerce; 144 persons from transport; and 2,830 persons from other services and miscellaneous sources.

Nurseries.

Nurseries are attached to the station where experiments have been made in planting exotic and other trees and shrubs and in cultivating English potatoes, which with peaches, the pear, and the blackberry thrive in the mild climate. The coffee of Pancgani has been favourably reported on by London brokers. Here too the sweet heliotrope and myrtle grow in wild profusion. The sweet briar, so rarely met with in India, flowers here; and the eye of the traveller from the dusty plains below is gladdened with the sight of lanes bordered with hedge-roses which festoon overhead entwined with honeysuckle. A single cluster of sixty or seventy roses is not an unusual sight. Pancgani, always beautiful, is at its best in August and September when the fair pimpernel, the buttercup and the wild sweetpea cover the hillside while the springy turf of the tablelands is thickly carpeted with the velvety bluebonnet and the more delicate stargrass.

Municipality.

Before 1910, Pancgani was administered by the Superintendent of Mahabalesvar. It is now a District Municipality governed under the Bombay District Municipal Act since April 1, 1910. The area of the municipal district is 1,523 acres approximately. The population of the municipal district as per census of 1951 is 4538. The present (1960) population is about 8,000 which swells upto 14,000 during the summer season. The municipality is constituted of 14 Councillors. Of these 14 seats, three seats are reserved for Harijans, one for women and one for the Ex-Officio Councillor viz., the Superintendent of Mahabaleshvar. All the Councillors except the Superintendent of Mahabaleshvar are elected.

The municipality has constituted the following sub-committees viz., (1) Managing Committee, (2) Dispensary Committee, (3) Public Works and Lighting Committee, (4) Octroi Committee, (5) Recreation Committee, (6) Schools Committee, (7) Rules and By-laws Committee, (8) Town Planning Committee and (9) Sanitary Committee. The main sources of income of the municipality are: (1) consolidated tax (property tax), (2) octroi, (3) visitors tax, (4) animal and vehicle tax, (5) special sanitary cess, (6) hotel tax, (7) theatre tax, (8) rent from municipal properties and lands, (9) dispensary fees, (10) notice and warrant fees, (11) Government and District Local Board Grants etc. The income of the municipality for the year 1958-59 was Rs. 1,52,819 as against the expenditure of Rs. 1,22,605.

Water Supply.

At present the chief source of water is from public and private wells. The Government have sanctioned water and drainage schemes which are expected to be completed within a couple of years (i.e. by 1962).

Roads.

The total length of roads within municipal limits is eight miles six furlongs out of which two miles and two furlongs are asphalted and the rest are metalled roads. The municipality has chalked out a programme for asphalting the remaining roads within the course of three years (1960-63).

Construction of Vegetable Market Education.

The Municipality is undertaking the work of construction of vegetable market estimated to cost Rs. 25,000 and the work is expected to be completed before the close of the year (1960).

Pancgani being famous for healthy climate has eight residential schools run on the lines of English public schools. Education in these schools is imparted for Senior Cambridge and Secondary School Certificate Examinations. Besides these there are two primary schools for boys and girls administered by the District School Board.

Medical Aid.

The Municipal Hospital is located in extensive premises termed as Satish Kunj donated by Seth Shantilal Mangaldas of Ahmadabad and has in addition facilities of 20 beds in Shantilal Mangaldas General Hospital and 12 Beds in the Matoshri Maniben Mangaldas Maternity Home. In the hospital there is an out-patient department. A distinguished Institution called Bel Air sanatorium is very well equipped and specialised for treatment to T. B. patients. There are seven sanatoriums open to all communities wherein well furnished accommodation with other facilities e.g., utensils, crockery etc., is provided.

Weekly Bazar.

Weekly Bazar is held within the municipal premises on every Wednesday.

Guest Houses and Hotels.

Pancgani has a number of vegetarian and non-vegetarian hotels offering accommodation and food of a very high standard.

Recreation.

The municipality maintains a very good garden and a children's park for the recreation of old and young residents and visitors where radio-set is installed and occasionally entertainment programmes are held. Pancgani is visited by visitors all the year round and the following natural spots called " Points " serve as a good attraction: (1) Table Land, (2) Sydney point, (3) Kanga point, (4) Katchbavadi point etc. The Devil's Kitchen situated to the south of the wellknown Tableland is also a place of mythological interest. At a distance of four miles from Pancgani, there are some caves known as Rajapuri Caves wherein a temple of ' Kartik Svami, son of God Shiva, Is located.

S. T. Bus Stand.

The State Transport Authorities have purchased a plot on Surul Mahabaleshvar road for the construction of a decent Bus Stand and a rest house for visitors.

Ghatjai Fair.

A fair is held in Pancgani some time in February every year in honour of Ghatjai Devi the patron goddess of Pancgani mountain, where all the local people and the villagers of the adjoining villages take part with great devotion. On this day, villagers carry her image in procession following which there is intensive music played on dhol and dancing. The fair is celebrated with a view to inspire gaiety, being at the end of the harvest time.

TOP