: Day 1 of the Krishna Pushkaram did not spell any major trouble for the organisers as the crowds were sparse but the number of pilgrims went up gradually towards the evening. The pilgrims did not face any major problem except that they had to pass through long queues arranged for their own safety.
Barricading was done from all entry points around Indrakeeladri and more importantly from the Vijayawada railway station and Pandit Nehru Bus Station. The fear of stampede stemming out of the mishap that took place during the Godavari Maha Pushkaram at Rajamahendravaram last year kept many people away from the celebrations.
As the day passed, a large number of pilgrims started reaching the city in scores of special trains and APSRTC buses. A big contingent of police personnel was deployed at the railway station and a sizable number of them at the PNBS too to prevent any untoward incident. Fortunately, there was no mishap that would have created panic.
The pilgrims were, by and large, satisfied with the arrangements. “We are lucky that there is no heavy rush on the first day. The traffic restrictions were somewhat problematic and for those coming outside, they are pinching,” said S. Ramachandra Murthy, a retired Postal Department employee from Mandapet in East Godavari district.
As far as pilgrim amenities are concerned, the drinking water kiosks set up by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation quenched the thirst of the crowds who had their throats parched due to the hot weather. There was no cleanliness at some of these points.
Y.V. Ramana Rao, a devotee from Guntur, felt happy that due care was taken of the elderly and children. “I came with my family to witness the ‘pavitra harati’ at the ferry near Ibrahimpatnam. It’s a great opportunity to invoke the blessings of the river goddess Krishnaveni in such a traditional manner,” he observed.
Focus on sanitation
Focus was laid on sanitation at all the ghats. The VMC pressed thousands of workers into service and they kept cleaning the river waters at all the ghats and the approach roads. Some workers collected puja material left over in the waters with nets under the watchful eyes of sanitary inspectors. Mobile toilets could be seen everywhere but many of them were not properly functional.
