Ganga Mela 2024: Hapur's Holy Fair ready with high-tech security and the best of pilgrim offers!
Ganga Mela 2024: With Kartik Purnima Mela being held at the sacred site Garhmukteshwar, Meerut Commissioner Selva Kumari J and Inspector General (IG) Nachiketa Jha visited the spot to ensure the visit of the devotees was both safe and convenient. Officials delved into minute details about security measures, spoke with local authorities and examined amenities made available for devotees who thronged the fair.
Meeting with Local Authorities of Higher Levels
Commissioner Selva Kumari J. arrived at Garhmukteshwar on Tuesday for the oversight of preps. While meeting district officials, District Magistrate DM Prerna Sharma explained every preparation made for pilgrims during the meeting. She described the temporary ghats under construction along Ganga's banks on key locations in Meerut, Delhi, Hapur, and at cattle fair grounds. It includes security barricades and stationed lifeguards in watch towers to keep track of all possible disturbances.
गढ़मुक्तेश्वर में कार्तिक पूर्णिमा मेला 2024 के संबंध में आहूत बैठक में प्रतिभाग किया गया। @CMOfficeUP @UPGovt @ChiefSecyUP pic.twitter.com/jfczuArY5M
— Commissioner Meerut (@CommissionerMe3) November 5, 2024
The DM emphasized that the police were prepared to maintain law and order and avoid accidents. Police personnel will be present at all strategic points throughout the day and night.
Temporary police stations and watchtowers with binoculars will be installed throughout the festival grounds to protect pilgrims.
Focus on Security Measures
IG Nachiketa Jha specifically addressed the security concerns by demanding an acceleration of posting officers in all the temporary police outposts. He ordered to start surveying the mela ground immediately through binoculars for watchtowers.
He also asked strict action be taken against people who will try to create a hoax or any kind of disorder. "We will act sternly against anyone, who by spreading rumors could disturb the atmosphere of the mela," Jha said. The officers dealing with their negligence in work will also be dealt appropriately.
Infrastructural Facilities to the Devotees
Inspection was also conducted on the facilities that were provided to the visitors. There are many facilities that have been implemented to make the experience comfortable for the pilgrims:
Water Supply: Hand pumps have been installed at different locations within the mela grounds to provide safe drinking water.
Lighting: The pathways are well-lit for safety during night hours.
Changing Rooms: Temporary changing rooms have been provided for women to change clothes after bathing.
Safety Precautions: Boats and divers are placed at strategic points to avoid cases of drowning.
Announcements: A 24-hour announcement system will help in reuniting lost persons, especially women, the aged, and children, with their families.
The Commissioner and IG are happy with the progress and have directed the officials to be on their toes at every step during the fair that brings thousands of pilgrims every year to Garhmukteshwar's banks. According to them, it would thus provide for a hitch-free and incident-free fair experience to everyone attending the festival.
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