Srinagar, June 6 (NVI): Arrangements for the upcoming annual Mela at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple were reviewed today by Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Anshul Garg who directed all concerned departments to ensure comprehensive facilities for devotees.
Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, one of the most revered shrines of Kashmiri Pandits, is located in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district in Kashmir.
Every year, on the occasion of ‘Jyesth Ashtami’ (as per Hindu calender), thousands of devotees descend on this temple to pay their obeisance to Goddess Durga, locally called ‘Ma Sharika’.
This year, the day falls on June 22.
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.
Also Read:
The Divisional Commissioner said devotees are expected from Jammu, Delhi and other parts of the country and there is a 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)
