Ganderbal, June 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday directed the administration to complete all pending works related to the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela before the festival begins on June 22, saying all necessary arrangements are being put in place for devotees.
During a visit to the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district, CM Omar reviewed preparations and inspected facilities being arranged for pilgrims expected to participate in the annual mela from across the country and abroad.
Speaking to reporters, CM Omar said he visited the shrine both as Chief Minister and as the local MLA to assess the arrangements on the ground.
He said several concerns and requirements were brought to his notice by priests and others associated with the shrine, and directions have been issued to the administration to address them before the commencement of the mela.
The Chief Minister said the administration is working to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual religious event, which attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Replying to a query on the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Omar said the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is responsible for managing the pilgrimage, while the government is extending all necessary support for its successful 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 and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
On irrigation-related issues in parts of Ganderbal district, the Chief Minister said the government has received reports regarding water shortages in some areas and is taking measures to improve supply through irrigation canals and related infrastructure.
He said recent rainfall has provided some relief, adding that Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Javed Rana, along with officials, will visit the affected areas to assess the situation and review remedial measures.
Regarding transit accommodation for Kashmiri Pandit employees in Pulwama district, Omar said the facilities are meant for employees recruited under the Prime Minister’s package and form part of an initiative launched during the tenure of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. (JKNS)
