Ensure smooth conduct of solar eclipse fair: Chief Secy to officials

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 16

The Haryana Government has made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims who will visit Kurukshetra during the Solar Eclipse Fair-2019 on December 26. This year, the fair will witness the participation of 15 lakh devotees from India and abroad. The state government will run special buses for the convenience of devotees so that the devotees do not face any inconvenience in reaching Kurukshetra.

This was informed at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Keshni Anand Arora, who reviewed the arrangements for the Solar Eclipse Fair 2019.

She directed the officials concerned to work towards developing an Android app to further strengthen the public address system so that any person could easily get information related to the fair through the mobile app.

She said to strengthen the medical system, arrangements of ambulances, stretchers, teams of doctors should be available 24*7 at the fair ground, the Chief Secretary added.

She said sufficient number of firefighting vehicles should be arranged at the mela site. Boats, divers and swimmers should be installed at Brahmasovar in case of any emergency.

She said the law and order should be strengthened to ensure the security of every devotee. She said proper arrangements should be made for the lodging facilities for devotees, Bhandara, drinking water, toilets, parking, etc. She said special buses should run from all districts and coordination of transportation with neighboring states should be done. Besides, directions were given to ensure coordination with the Railways so that devotees do not face any inconvenience in reaching Kurukshetra.

The Chief Secretary added that Vita and Hafed should be set up booths in the Mela area which will not only promote the products of Haryana but the basic needs of the devotees will also be fulfilled.

The fair area has been divided into 20 sectors for which around 5,000 police personnel will be deployed. Besides, a police control room will also be established in the fair ground. Videography will also be done with the help of drones to protect the area.

In addition, 22 parking spots have been identified for parking. Reception centres will also be set up in the area.