by - Jatara to be held from February 25 to 27
- To be conducted with spiritual grandeur
- Measures to ensure a hassle-free experience for devotees
- Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha reviews arrangements with SP
Vemulawada : Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha has directed officials from all departments to coordinate effectively to ensure the successful conduct of the Maha Shivaratri Jatara. In light of the festival, a coordination meeting was held on Monday at the District Integrated Office Complex, where the Collector, along with SP Akhil Mahajan, Vemulawada Sri Raja Rajeshwara Temple Executive Officer (EO), and senior officials from various departments, reviewed the arrangements.
The meeting covered key aspects such as additional bus services, sanitation, parking facilities, road maintenance, accommodation near the temple, drinking water supply, health camps, fire engine availability, Kalyana Katta, Dharma Gundam, Baddi Pochamma temple arrangements, help centers, CCTV surveillance, and cultural programs. The Collector emphasized that the Jatara, scheduled from February 25 to 27, should be conducted in a grand manner, ensuring a seamless experience for devotees. He instructed officials to expedite all necessary preparations well before the festival begins.
857 Buses for Pilgrims
Given the anticipated heavy influx of devotees, a robust security system is being planned. The Collector suggested discussing temporary tower installations with telecom operators to prevent network congestion. Authorities have announced that 857 buses from various depots will be deployed for transportation. Additionally, 20 lakh liters of drinking water will be supplied through Mission Bhagiratha.
Municipal Commissioner Anvesh confirmed that 500 sanitation workers will be available to maintain cleanliness. Eight fire engines will be stationed, while CCTV surveillance will be significantly enhanced with 180 additional cameras, supplementing the existing 260. A team of 24 expert swimmers will be deployed for safety in water bodies. Temple EO stated that 3 lakh laddus and prasadam will be prepared for devotees. Free food distribution will be arranged near Gudi Cheruvu for pilgrims. Parking facilities will be systematically arranged, potholes on major roads leading to Vemulawada will be filled, and overgrown weeds along the roadsides will be cleared.
Shelters and Drinking Water Facilities
The Collector emphasized the provision of accommodation facilities for officials and special guests involved in Jatara duties. Necessary shelters should be erected for devotees, with adequate security arrangements. Drinking water stalls and resting shelters should be set up at multiple locations to prevent dehydration among visitors. He instructed sanitation teams to work in three shifts to ensure cleanliness around the temple premises.
Medical camps will be established, and uninterrupted electricity supply will be ensured. Fire extinguishers must be installed at key locations and inside all major pavilions. The Collector instructed that help desks be set up at the main temple, Thippapur bus stand, Korutla bus stand, Jagtial road, and near parking areas. Additionally, liquor sales in and around Vemulawada will be prohibited during the Jatara.
Cultural Programs & Law Enforcement
Cultural programs will be organized during the Maha Shivaratri Jagaram, and the required arrangements will be made accordingly. A central control room will be established to oversee the event, with all nodal officers from different departments coordinating efforts.
SP Akhil Mahajan stressed the need for expanded parking facilities compared to previous years. He directed officials to ensure drinking water availability and resting tents for police personnel. Furthermore, he advised municipal authorities to notify local vendors about restrictions on the evening market at Thippapur crossroads during the festival.
The meeting was attended by Additional SP Seshadri Reddy, EO Vinod Reddy, Revenue Divisional Officer Rajeshwar, and other district officials and staff members.
– Shenarthi.com, Karimnagar
