Ganderbal, June 18 (KNO): Reaffirming the government's commitment towards preserving the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela symbolizes the region's age-old traditions of harmony, mutual respect and brotherhood.
The Chief Minister, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), today visited the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district to review the arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela.
During the visit, the Chief Minister took spot inspection of various facilities being established for the convenience of devotees and reviewed preparations related to accommodation, drinking water supply, sanitation, power supply, healthcare services, security, traffic management and other essential arrangements.
Interacting with officers on the spot, the Chief Minister emphasized the significance of the annual mela and directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure that devotees are provided a safe, comfortable and spiritually fulfilling experience during their visit to the temple.
He stressed the need for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in and around the temple premises and instructed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted availability of basic services throughout the mela period.
The Chief Minister also reviewed arrangements for medical aid, emergency response services and transportation facilities. He directed the concerned agencies to remain fully prepared to promptly address any requirement of pilgrims and ensure smooth movement of devotees.
During the visit, members of the local community and representatives of various organizations interacted with the Chief Minister and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements being made for the annual pilgrimage.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mudasir Shahmiri; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Sudhanshu Dhama and other officers.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore briefed the Chief Minister on the level of preparedness made for the smooth facilitation to the devotees vis-a-vis sanitation, drinking water supply, electricity, healthcare services, de-silting of Nallah, additional mobile toilets and other arrangements alongwith backup besides accommodation, and langar facilities.
While talking to reporters, CM Omar said devotees from across the country and various parts of the world are expected to participate in the mela to seek blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani.
He said he visited the shrine not only in his capacity as Chief Minister but also as the local MLA to assess the arrangements on the ground. “Some issues were raised by priests and other stakeholders, and efforts will be made to address them before the mela begins,” he said.
On the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Omar noted that the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has the primary responsibility for managing the pilgrimage, while the government is extending all necessary support to ensure its smooth conduct.
He expressed hope that pilgrims visiting Kheer Bhawani and the Amarnath shrine would be able to perform their religious duties comfortably, and prayed for peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to a question on irrigation concerns in parts of Ganderbal, the Chief Minister said reports of water scarcity had been received from some areas, and measures were being taken to ensure adequate supply through canals and irrigation channels.
He added that recent rainfall had helped ease the situation, and that Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Javed Rana would visit the affected areas along with officials to review the situation and take necessary measures.
On the construction of transit accommodation for Kashmiri Pandit employees in Pulwama, Omar said the facilities are meant for PM Package employees and are part of an ongoing initiative launched during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh—(KNO)