Lucknow,

8 July (HS): The state's Urban

Development and Energy Minister A.K. Sharma, in a meeting held at the Jal Nigam

Field Hostel, sought information about the department's preparations for the

Kanwar Yatra and other works in the month of Shravan. The minister told the

journalists about the decision taken in the meeting that the month of Shravan

is the holy month of worship of Lord Shiva. In this, lakhs of devotees visit

various pilgrimage sites in the state and offer holy water. The government is

trying to ensure that the Kanwar Yatra is completed with devotion, security and

cleanliness.

Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma said that a

detailed meeting has been held with the officials of the Energy and Urban

Development Department. The officials of the Energy Department have been asked

to ensure uninterrupted power supply on the Kanwar Yatra routes, especially at

night. Most of the devotees travel during night time, so special attention will

be paid to power supply. In previous years, there were incidents of high DJs

colliding with power wires at some places. To control this, instructions have

been given that only DJ vehicles of prescribed height should run on the Yatra

routes.

Energy Minister A.K. Sharma said that instructions

have also been issued to build boundary around open transformers and to

insulate electric poles so that the possibility of any kind of accident is

eliminated. A.K. Sharma said that the Urban Development Department has been

instructed to repair all street lights on the Yatra routes and make the entire

route pothole-free. All potholes should be filled in time so that the journey

can be smooth. Proper arrangements should be ensured in the pandals for the

stay of Kanwar pilgrims and there should be adequate arrangements for garbage

disposal for cleanliness. Also, mobile toilets should be installed on the Yatra

routes.

Citing the example of Maha Kumbh, he said about the

order given to the officials that taking inspiration from events like Maha

Kumbh, devotees will be welcomed through hoardings on the Kanwar Yatra routes

and a resolution has been taken to celebrate it as a 'clean festival'.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi