Srinagar, June 6 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Saturday reviewed arrangements for the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and directed all concerned departments to ensure comprehensive facilities for devotees visiting the revered shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal and other associated temple sites across Kashmir.
Chairing a high-level meeting here, Garg assessed preparedness for the annual festival and reviewed arrangements related to transport, accommodation, power supply, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare and security.
Officials from various departments, including Health, Power, Public Health Engineering, Tourism, Transport, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, and district administrations of Ganderbal, Srinagar, Kupwara, Kulgam and Anantnag, attended the meeting. Representatives of several Kashmiri Pandit organisations also participated and put forth suggestions regarding the conduct of the mela.
The Divisional Commissioner directed departments to ensure uninterrupted essential services and adequate facilities for pilgrims. He also called for special cleanliness drives and ordered desiltation of the canal flowing through the Tulmulla temple complex to improve the shrine’s ambience.
Garg instructed authorities to provide sufficient mobile toilet facilities, expedite ongoing development works at the shrine and maintain high standards of sanitation and public convenience at all temple locations associated with the festival.
Highlighting the expected arrival of devotees from Jammu, Delhi and other parts of the country, he stressed the need for close coordination among departments to facilitate smooth transportation and hassle-free movement of pilgrims.
The Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal was asked to oversee arrangements and ensure coordination among stakeholders, while the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, was directed to put in place comprehensive security measures for the event.
The administration remains committed to ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual festival and providing devotees with all necessary amenities for a comfortable pilgrimage experience, Garg said.(NVI)
