Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, June 8: Deputy Commissioner Samba, Abhishek Sharma, chaired a meeting today to review the preparations for the Annual Mela at Baba Chamliyal Shrine.
The Mela, which will be held near the International Border at Ramgarh sector on June 27, attracts thousands of devotees every year.
During the meeting, DC directed the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to complete the filling of potholes on all major roads leading to the shrine well before the mela commences. The Revenue, Police and Transport Departments were tasked with identifying strategic spots for parking of vehicles, installation of signages and creating a widely-publicized route plan for pilgrims from different regions.
To ensure smooth operations in case of rain, alternative arrangements were discussed. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department was instructed to ensure an uninterrupted water supply, with provisions for additional water tankers. The Power Development Department (PDD) was also directed to ensure proper lighting arrangements and uninterrupted power supply throughout the mela days.
Emphasizing the importance of sanitation, DC directed for the installation of an adequate number of dustbins at the shrine venues to manage the expected large crowds. The Tourism Department was asked to install hoardings and banners at various locations to guide and inform the devotees.
Security arrangements, fire and emergency preparedness, traffic regulation, and the deployment of health officials were thoroughly reviewed. “Special attention was given to the installation of lights and the establishment of Lost and Found counter.”
A committee was formed to monitor the quality and pricing of food items available at the mela.
Additionally, different departments were instructed to set up stalls to educate visiting devotees about various government schemes and welfare programs.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Samba, Vinay Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Suresh Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Samba, SDM Vijaypur, DIO, Tehsildar Ramgarh, BDO, Xens of PWD, PDD, and PHE, SHO Vijaypur and Ramgarh, along with other district and sectoral officers.