MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan Oversees Preparations for Srikanteshwara Jatra in Nanjangud
In a significant move to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual Srikanteshwara Jatra, Nanjangud MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan has issued detailed directives to officials for comprehensive preparations ahead of the event scheduled for March 30 in the historic temple town of Nanjangud. The MLA emphasized the need for meticulous planning to accommodate the large influx of devotees expected during the festivities.
Key Instructions for Basic Amenities and Safety
During a preliminary meeting held on Monday, MLA Dhruvanarayan instructed officials to prioritize basic facilities for devotees. This includes maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the town, providing ample drinking water stations, and arranging additional mobile toilets to handle the crowd. He stressed that these measures are crucial for ensuring a comfortable and hygienic environment for all attendees.
Deputy Commissioner's Focus on Crowd Management and Infrastructure
Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy reinforced these directives by ordering the police to deploy additional personnel on the day of the rathotsava, or chariot procession. He specifically noted that only a few hundred devotees should be permitted to pull the chariot, citing the typical large gatherings that form around it. Reddy also mandated the implementation of robust crowd-management and safety protocols to prevent any untoward incidents.
In terms of infrastructure, the DC directed CESC officials to temporarily remove electricity poles and lines along Car Street before the jatra and reinstall them post-event, while ensuring an uninterrupted power supply during the celebrations. This step aims to facilitate the smooth passage of the chariot and enhance safety.
Comprehensive Safety and Health Measures
Officials were further instructed to verify the fitness of all five temple chariots, with any necessary repairs to be reported immediately. Expert-certified fitness certificates must be submitted after thorough inspections. Additionally, potholes must be filled, and the area around the temple leveled to ensure safe movement.
To safeguard public health, temporary health clinics will be set up, and measures will be taken to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Officials are also tasked with inspecting and certifying the prasadam prepared by various organizations before distribution to devotees, ensuring food safety standards are met.
Enhanced Emergency and Transport Arrangements
Additional safety measures include deploying more boats with expert swimmers in the Kapila River, stationing two fire tenders at the venue, and operating extra buses to Nanjangud from March 29 to April 2 to manage the increased traffic and provide convenient transport options for devotees.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner P Shivaraju, highlighting the coordinated effort among local authorities to ensure a successful and secure Srikanteshwara Jatra.
