Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a review meeting, issued directives to the district administration to pay special attention to all pilgrims visiting Ayodhya after the consecration ceremony on January 22.
In view of the cold wave conditions, Chief Minister Yogi directed the administration to make arrangements for night shelters, particularly for devotees from economically disadvantaged sections. He stressed the importance of increasing the number of night shelters to ensure proper accommodation for devotees during inclement weather.
Additionally, arrangements will be made for lighting bonfires at various locations and blankets will be distributed to those in need. For these preparations, the government has allocated an additional amount of Rs 10 crore to Ayodhya.
According to Relief Commissioner GS Navin Kumar, the chief minister, in a meeting, has issued a directive to prioritise the requirements of all the devotees coming to Ayodhya. The chief minister said after the consecration of Lord Ram on January 22, more than one lakh devotees, not only from the country but also from abroad, were expected to visit Ayodhya daily and in view of this, special care should be taken to ensure they do not face any difficulties.
Kumar further informed that in view of the prevailing cold weather in the state, the chief minister emphasised the need to increase the number of night shelters in Ayodhya. Furthermore, arrangements should be made to light bonfires at various locations, and blankets should be distributed to needy pilgrims, he added.
The Relief Commissioner said that along with allocating an additional amount of Rs 10 crore to Ayodhya Dham, instructions had been given to the district magistrate to identify places for night shelters and bonfires. Additionally, instructions have been given to ensure robust security measures at ghats, considering the congregation of devotees. For this purpose, an order has been issued to purchase additional life jackets.