GANDERBAL: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday reviewed arrangements for the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla and stressed devotee convenience, cleanliness and seamless coordination among departments to ensure the smooth conduct of the religious event.
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 and senior officers from civil and police administration, the Central University of Kashmir, Dharmarth Trust and line departments were present.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore briefed the Chief Secretary on the arrangements being put in place for the mela. He informed that comprehensive measures have been undertaken to ensure comfortable accommodation for devotees, including lodging facilities within the shrine premises, Yatri Niwas, the Central University of Kashmir campus, other educational institutions and tents.
He also apprised the Chief Secretary about arrangements for langar facilities, drinking water supply, uninterrupted electricity, sanitation, medical assistance, parking management and traffic regulation. 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, Dulloo inspected various facilities within the shrine complex and reviewed preparedness related to sanitation, drinking water supply, power availability, lighting, public conveniences, medical aid, security, traffic management and other essential services 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, Dulloo visited the Main Campus of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) at Tulmulla, where accommodation facilities have been arranged for visiting devotees. He inspected the tentage area, Science Block, Administrative Block and other designated locations identified for lodging pilgrims.
He reviewed the availability of accommodation, tents, bedding, sanitation arrangements, drinking water supply, power backup, lighting and toilet facilities. He also inspected 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 proper traffic regulation, designated parking spaces, clear signages and hassle-free movement of devotees to avoid congestion during peak hours.
Interacting with officers, Dulloo stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among all departments to provide devotees a safe, comfortable and dignified experience. He directed concerned officers to complete all remaining works within the stipulated timeframe and maintain round-the-clock monitoring of arrangements.
Describing the annual 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 its peaceful and successful conduct.
