While inspecting on Friday the infrastructural works for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 slated to start in January next, Chief Minister Harish Rawat announced after consulting the officials that the works would be completed before the first bathing day (Snan) of the mega fair.
Dwelling on the achievements of his Government on the matter of the preparation, he said that seven new bridges had been constructed without the assistance of the Centre. “This marks a milestone on the part of the State Government. We are satisfied with our performance in the face of the Centre’s indifference towards the State’s demand for the grand religious congregation we are hosting,” he added.
CM further said that the State Government had arranged nearly Rs1,000 crore from its own resources.
Directing the constructing agencies and the Mela administration, he said that all the works both of temporary and permanent nature must be completed by December 31 so as to ensure that the pilgrims face no hassle during the Ardh Kumbh Mela. He also asked the PWD officials to complete the construction of laltaro bridge at the earliest.
CM also stated that the broadening work of Kashyap Chowk near Rishikul and construction of Malviya Ghat would also be completed during this one month period.
When asked about the recent issue raised by Ravidas community regarding the temple at Har Ki Pauri, CM clearly stated that the objections raised by the priests must be resolved with mutual consent and directed the Mela and police administration to intervene to resolve the logjam mutually through dialogue.
CM Rawat also directed the police administration to install watch towers systematically in Har Ki Pauri area. He also said that a Shahid Park in memory of the martyrs, including Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev, who laid down their lives on the altar of India’s independence on 23 in 1931, to be developed by Haridwar Roorkee Development Authority near VIP Ghat. Regarding the broadening of Kangra Ghat, another important one, CM asked the officials to clear the legal hassle, if any, to expedite the process.
Appreciating the agencies for the completion of the temporary bridges with quality, CM asked them to expedite other projects too. He also gave necessary directions to DIG Ardh Kumbh Mela GS Martolia to ensure fool-proof security of the pilgrims.
During the inspection, OSD to CM Purushottam Sharma, Rao Afaq Ali, district magistrate Harbans Singh Chugh, SSP Santhil Krishnaraj S, ADM JS Nangiyal, city magistrate Mohammad Nasir, MNA Vipra Trivedi and executive engineer, irrigation department NK Yadav were amongst the main officials present during the inspection.