Ganderbal, June 18 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed arrangements for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, stating that all pending works would be completed ahead of the festival on June 22.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the shrine, CM Omar, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), 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)