Srinagar, June 18: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district to review preparations for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled to begin on June 22.
During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected the facilities being developed for thousands of devotees expected to participate in the annual festival from across the country and abroad. He interacted with priests and shrine management representatives, who highlighted several pending requirements related to the event.
Addressing reporters, Abdullah said the administration has been directed to complete all remaining works before the commencement of the mela to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for pilgrims.
The Chief Minister also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, stating that while the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is responsible for managing the pilgrimage, the Jammu and Kashmir government is extending full support to ensure its smooth and peaceful conduct. He expressed hope that devotees visiting both the Kheer Bhawani shrine and the Amarnath cave shrine would be able to perform their religious rituals without any inconvenience.
Praying for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the government remains committed to facilitating all major religious events in the Union Territory.
Responding to questions on irrigation issues in Ganderbal, the Chief Minister acknowledged reports of water shortages in some areas and said efforts were underway to improve water supply through irrigation canals and related infrastructure. He added that recent rainfall had brought some relief and announced that Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Javed Rana would visit the affected areas to assess the situation and review remedial measures.
On the construction of transit accommodation for Kashmiri Pandit employees in Pulwama, Abdullah said the housing facilities are meant for employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s rehabilitation package and are part of an initiative launched during the tenure of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most significant religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community and attracts thousands of devotees to the historic shrine every year.
