Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo today visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla and reviewed the arrangements being put in place for the smooth conduct of the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani.
Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department and Health & Medical Education Department, M. Raju; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, Prof. A. Ravindra Nath; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir; Director Health Services Kashmir; Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, besides senior officers from civil and police administration, Central University of Kashmir, Dharmarth Trust and line departments were present on the occasion.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, briefed the Chief Secretary about the arrangements being put in place for the annual mela. He informed that comprehensive measures have been undertaken to ensure comfortable accommodation for devotees, including lodging facilities within the temple premises including Yatri Niwas and at the Central University of Kashmir campus, besides at other local educational institutions and in tents.
He also apprised the visiting dignitary of the provision of langar facilities, drinking water supply, uninterrupted power, sanitation, medical assistance, parking management and traffic regulation. He informed that special focus has been laid on cleanliness of the shrine premises, illumination of approach roads, establishment of help desks, public address systems and facilitation measures for elderly and differently-abled devotees.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary inspected various facilities within the shrine complex and took stock of the preparedness of different departments. He reviewed arrangements related to sanitation, drinking water supply, power availability, lighting, public conveniences, medical aid, security, traffic management and other essential services being provided for devotees.
The Chief Secretary also inspected the Medical Aid Centre established at the shrine and directed the Health Department to ensure adequate availability of doctors, paramedical staff, medicines, ambulances and emergency response facilities during the mela period.
Earlier, the Chief Secretary also visited the Main Campus of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Tulmulla, where accommodation facilities have been arranged for visiting devotees.He inspected the tentage area, Science Block, Administrative Block and other designated areas identified for lodging of pilgrims and reviewed the arrangements being made for their comfortable stay.
During the inspection, he reviewed the availability of accommodation facilities, tents, bedding, sanitation arrangements, drinking water supply, power backup, lighting and toilet facilities. He also inspected the sites earmarked for langar services and directed the concerned agencies to ensure proper hygiene, cleanliness and adequate facilities for devotees.
The Chief Secretary further reviewed the parking plan and movement of vehicles within and around the campus. He emphasized the need for proper traffic regulation, designated parking spaces, clear signages and hassle-free movement of devotees to avoid congestion during peak hours.
Interacting with officers on the occasion, the Chief Secretary stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among all departments to ensure that devotees are provided a safe, comfortable and dignified experience. He directed the concerned officers to complete all remaining works within the stipulated timeframe and maintain round-the-clock monitoring of arrangements.
Describing Mela Kheer Bhawani as a significant religious occasion and an enduring symbol of Kashmir's rich composite culture, the Chief Secretary called upon all stakeholders to work with dedication and a spirit of public service to ensure the successful and peaceful conduct of the annual mela.