While reviewing the preparations for the Khichdi fair to be organized on Makar Sankranti at Gorakhnath temple, CM Yogi directed to complete all the work by 20th December. Special emphasis was laid on security, cleanliness, transport, health services, arrangements of special trains and buses.
Gorakhpur. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave clear instructions to the officials that all the preparations for the world famous Khichdi fair to be held at Gorakhnath temple on Makar Sankranti should be completed by December 20 under any circumstances. He said that the convenience and safety of all the devotees coming to the fair is the top priority and they should not face any problem under any circumstances.
Review after meeting in Gorakhnath temple
On Saturday, the Chief Minister held a meeting with the Mayor and officials of various departments in the assembly hall of Gorakhnath Temple. He said that this fair is not only related to the faith of Eastern Uttar Pradesh but also of millions of Sanatan Dharma followers from Bihar, Nepal and the country and the world. Therefore, all the basic facilities in the fair should be excellent. He said that the fair will also be broadcast live through Doordarshan and All India Radio, so that people living far away can also participate virtually.
Orders to complete incomplete work soon
CM Yogi reviewed the preparations being made by the departments and said that all the incomplete works should be completed immediately. He directed to pay special attention to cleanliness and hygiene in the fair and to make it a zero waste event. Also asked to ensure adequate permanent and temporary lighting in the fair area and timely inspection and repair of all the street lights on the temple road.
Khichdi Mela special trains for devotees
The Chief Minister said that like every year, this time also Khichdi Mela special trains will be run for the devotees. For this, trains will be made available from various stations in coordination with the railway administration. He gave instructions to widely disseminate information about special trains. Besides, the facility of electric city buses will also be made available from major railway stations of the city.
Instructions to provide bus facility to rural areas
The Chief Minister said that the Transport Department should start preparing the buses from now. Devotees from rural areas should also get the facility to reach the fair easily. It should also be ensured that the information about the place from which the fair special buses will run reaches the people widely.
Arrangement of bonfire amid cold wave
CM Yogi said that the cold increases during the fair period, hence there should be arrangements for lighting adequate number of bonfires in the city. For this, instructions were given to the Forest Department to provide adequate wood.
Security and crowd management are paramount
The Chief Minister said that the security arrangements in the Khichdi Fair should be extremely strong. Adequate number of women police should be deployed for the safety of women devotees and women help desk should also be established. He asked to monitor the entire fair area from the control room, install adequate CCTV cameras and continuously broadcast necessary information through the PA system. Instructions were also given to take help of NCC and Civil Defense for crowd control.
Detailed preparation of traffic management
CM Yogi said that there should be adequate deployment of traffic police and home guards. Plans for parking and diversion of vehicles should be prepared from now on. Traffic should also be continuously monitored through CCTV.
Road repairs and health services on alert mode
Municipal Corporation, Gorakhpur Development Authority and PWD were entrusted with the time bound repair of all the roads. The health department has also been instructed to remain fully alert during the fair. Health camps will be set up in the fair area and all hospitals have been asked to be prepared for emergencies.
Ensure proper arrangements in night shelters
CM Yogi said that no devotee should sleep in the open. Adequate bedding, blankets and proper cleanliness arrangements should be made in all night shelters. He also stressed on encouraging the organization of community kitchens and stores for the food of the devotees.
Checking of electrical safety and food safety of shops
The Chief Minister said that all the temporary shops set up in the fair should be checked for electrical safety in time. The safety of swings should also be properly checked. Sample tests should be conducted to check the quality of food items sold in the fair so that no adulterated and unsafe food items are sold.
Presence of senior officials in the meeting
Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, ADG Zone Mutha Ashok Jain, Commissioner Anil Dhingra, DIG S. were present in the meeting. Chinappa, District Magistrate Deepak Meena, SSP Rajkaran Iyer, Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Singh Sogarwal, GDA Vice President Anand Vardhan and about 20 senior officers of administration, police, health, electricity and other departments were present.