UP CM reviews preparations for Garhmukteshwar Tigri melas 30 lakh devotees expected

Lucknow, Nov 10 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Mela at Garhmukteshwar and the Tigri Mela, directing officials to ensure foolproof security, cleanliness and essential facilities for devotees.

     Administrative and police officials from Meerut, Bareilly, Amroha, Hapur, Moradabad and other divisions and districts attended the review meeting through video conferencing, according to a state government statement.

     Adityanath said the melas, described as the 'Mini Kumbh of Western UP', are expected to attract 25-30 lakh devotees between November 17 and 26, with the main bathing ritual scheduled for November 24.

     He directed officials to complete all preparations within the stipulated timeline and ensure adequate arrangements for security, traffic management, sanitation, drinking water and other essential facilities. The use of single-use plastic must be completely prohibited, he said.

     Officials from the departments of Home, Public Works, Transport, Irrigation, Urban Development, Energy, Panchayati Raj and Health were directed to inspect the arrangements before the commencement of the melas.

     The chief minister also ordered a strict ban on the sale of liquor and intoxicants within the mela area and said no activity hurting religious sentiments should be allowed.

     Emphasising arrangements at the ghats, he directed officials to ensure adequate water availability, channelise the river wherever necessary and deploy sufficient sanitation workers.

     He also called for temporary hospitals with community health centre-level facilities, adequate medical staff, ambulances and other emergency services. Regular power supply and safe drinking water must be ensured, he said.

     On security, Adityanath directed the deployment of adequate police personnel, including women personnel, along with teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on both sides of the river.

     Senior police officers at the ADG, IG, DIG and SSP levels should brief and counsel personnel before the mela, he said, adding that police personnel must refrain from making social media reels while on duty.

     He also directed officials to ensure CCTV surveillance, watchtowers, public address systems, fire tenders, proper parking facilities and traffic diversions.

     Adityanath said only dignified cultural performances should be organised and asked the Tourism and Culture Department to arrange Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, Raslila, Ramlila and spiritual programmes centred on Lord Shiva. Laser and drone shows should also be organised, he said.

     He further directed officials to launch a special drive against disruptive elements spreading misinformation on social media and intensify the campaign against intoxicants during the melas.

     Fire tenders should remain on alert, while the control room must function round the clock. Officials were also asked to remain vigilant against undesirable elements and wildlife in the mela area.

     The Transport Department was directed to operate additional buses to facilitate the movement of devotees, the statement added.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)