SRINAGAR: Ahead of the Mela Mata Kheer Bhawani, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting on June 6 to review preparations and ensure seamless arrangements for devotees visiting the shrine at Tulmulla, Ganderbal, and other temples in Tikker (Kupwara), Manzgam, Devsar (Kulgam), and Logripora (Anantnag).
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal, Srinagar, Kupwara, Kulgam, and Anantnag, along with senior officials from departments including Health, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Power Distribution, Public Health Engineering, Tourism, Transport, Fire & Emergency Services, municipal bodies, police, and relief agencies. Representatives of Kashmiri Pandit organizations, such as Soan Kashmir Front and Mata Kheer Bhawani Ji Yatra Welfare Society, also participated, sharing suggestions for the festival.
Discussions focused on transportation, accommodation, sanitation, power supply, water, tentage, mobile toilets, blankets, and illumination at the temples. Garg directed departments to ensure uninterrupted services, including potable water, reliable electricity, medical aid, and transport facilities. He emphasized the importance of cleanliness drives and ordered desiltation of the canal near Tulmulla to improve the environment.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation was tasked with deploying mobile toilets, and ongoing works at Tulmulla were to be expedited before the festival. Recognizing the expected influx of pilgrims from Jammu, Delhi, and beyond, Garg stressed coordinated efforts to facilitate smooth movement and timely arrival of buses.
Security was also prioritized, with instructions for comprehensive arrangements to ensure safety and peace. Deputy Ganderbal was instructed to oversee coordination and facilities at the shrine, while the police were directed to implement foolproof security measures.
Relief officials and temple representatives from Jammu joined virtually, expressing their support and sharing suggestions. Garg reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing all necessary amenities for a comfortable and secure pilgrimage, emphasizing close inter-departmental cooperation for the event’s success.