Ganderbal, May 30 (KNO): In preparation for the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, a significant religious event for the Kashmiri Pandit community, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, conducted a joint visit to the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla on Friday.
The high-level visit focused on reviewing the security and logistical arrangements being made for the smooth conduct of the festival, which attracts thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the officials inspected ongoing preparations at the temple site, including facilities related to sanitation, healthcare, drinking water, accommodation, and parking. A comprehensive security review was also conducted to ensure a peaceful and incident-free celebration.
SSP Poswal instructed concerned officers to maintain heightened vigilance, increase surveillance, and ensure area domination in and around the temple premises. DC Kishore stressed the importance of seamless inter-departmental coordination to provide hassle-free services to the pilgrims.
As part of the arrangements, the district administration will set up a control room to handle real-time grievances during the mela. Additionally, medical teams, fire services, and emergency response units will be deployed at critical locations to respond swiftly to any emergencies.
Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the religious event. Local residents and members of the temple management committee expressed satisfaction with the preparations and the active cooperation extended by the district administration.
The Mela Kheer Bhawani, observed annually on Zyestha Ashtami, holds immense religious significance for Kashmiri Pandits and is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages in the Kashmir Valley—(KNO)