Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, today visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla to take stock of the arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela.
During the visit, the DC conducted a comprehensive inspection of the temple premises and reviewed the preparedness of various departments with regard to facilities being provided for the convenience and comfort of devotees expected to participate in the annual mela.
The DC inspected accommodation facilities established for pilgrims, including the Yatri Niwas and temporary tented accommodation being arranged to cater to the anticipated influx of devotees. He directed the concerned departments to ensure that all lodging facilities are clean, well-maintained and equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
Reviewing arrangements for community kitchens (langars), the DC instructed the concerned agencies to ensure adequate space, proper sanitation and uninterrupted supply of water and electricity at all designated langar sites. He emphasized that all facilities should be made available in a coordinated manner to facilitate smooth functioning of langars during the mela period.
The DC also inspected healthcare arrangements and reviewed the preparedness of the medical team being deployed at the temple. He directed the Health Department to ensure availability of doctors, paramedical staff, ambulances, emergency medicines and first-aid facilities so that devotees receive prompt medical assistance whenever required.
Special emphasis was laid on the provision of safe drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation facilities and cleanliness around the temple premises. The concerned departments were directed to ensure regular maintenance of toilets, proper waste disposal mechanisms and round-the-clock availability of essential services during the mela.
Later, the DC also visited the Central University of Kashmir campus at Tulmulla to review the accommodation arrangements being made for devotees. During the visit, he inspected lodging facilities, langar sites, parking spaces and other amenities being put in place for the convenience of pilgrims.
He directed the concerned officers to ensure proper cleanliness, adequate drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation facilities and clear signage within the campus. Interacting with officers on the spot, the DC stressed that every effort should be made to provide a safe, comfortable and spiritually enriching experience to devotees visiting the shrine.
He directed all stakeholder departments to work in close coordination and remain available on the ground to address any issue that may arise during the mela period. Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal, Executive Engineers of KPDCL, Jal Shakti, and PMGSY besides Chief Medical Officer and other officers and officials accompanied the DC during the inspection.