SRINAGAR, MAY 10: Satish Sharma on Saturday visited the revered Kheer Bhawani Shrine at Tulmulla and paid obeisance there while reviewing preparations for the forthcoming annual Kheer Bhawani Mela.
During the visit, the Minister undertook a detailed review of the arrangements being put in place for the annual mela and interacted with officers from various departments regarding preparedness for the pilgrimage.
He directed the concerned departments to ensure all necessary facilities, including sanitation, uninterrupted power and water supply, healthcare services, security coordination, cleanliness and transportation arrangements, are put in place well in advance for the convenience of devotees expected to participate in large numbers.
Emphasising the importance of hassle-free transportation, Satish Sharma instructed the Transport Department to ensure seamless bus connectivity to the shrine from different locations, particularly during the festival period.
The Minister said that religious and cultural events form an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage and reiterated the government’s commitment towards facilitating devotees and preserving the spiritual ethos associated with such revered places.
Later, the Minister visited the revered Mir Baba Hyder Shrine, where he reviewed the infrastructure and civic amenities available for devotees. He directed the concerned officers to undertake solarisation of the shrine complex as part of the government’s initiative towards sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure development at important religious places.
He also instructed authorities to augment facilities including lighting, sanitation and public convenience infrastructure to improve the overall experience for devotees visiting the shrine.
During the visit, Satish Sharma met several deputations representing different areas and communities, who projected various public welfare and developmental issues before him. The Minister assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined sympathetically and addressed on priority.
The Minister also interacted with a deputation of Kabaddi players and young sportspersons who apprised him of issues related to sports infrastructure and training facilities. Appreciating the enthusiasm of the youth towards sports, he reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen sporting infrastructure and create greater opportunities for youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir.
