In a bid to review the preparation of the upcoming Ardh Kumbha Mela scheduled to begin on January 1, Uttarakhand Governor Dr KK Paul called a meeting at Raj Bhawan on Thursday. During the meeting, he took detailed information from senior officials concerned with the preparations for Ardh-Kumbh 2016.
Regarding the arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims, Dr Paul instructed that all the States should be informed that there would be no special arrangements during Ardh Kumbh for any VIP or special person. In the context of security arrangements, he asked them to ensure coordination with the neighbouring States for special security.
Governor said there should be widespread promotion of all arrangements for the pilgrims. Media should be briefed from time to time about all the highlights and facilities to be available at the mela.
Expressing satisfaction at the preparations made so far, Dr Paul said that proper utilisation of resources, dedication of all officials and staff concerned, active participation of local organisations and a positive role by the media could together result in successfully holding this event which is associated with the faith and devotion of crores of people across the country. This would strengthen the image of the State, he stressed.
The officials apprised the Governor of the preparations of the bathing places for the pilgrims, traffic plan, crowd management, construction of roads and bridges, ghats, camps, electricity supply, potable water, toilets, cleanliness arrangements, medical facilities, food besides the security arrangements. They also apprised him that most of the prominent works had been completed and efforts were on to complete the remaining work by December 31.
During the meeting, OSD and secretary to the Governor Arun Dhaundiyal, Mela officer (Ardh kumbh) S Murugeshan, DIG (Ardhkumbh) GS Martolia, secretary (urban development) DS Garbyal, DM (Haridwar) H S Chugh and SSP Senthyl Abdui were present.