Godavari Pushkarams Special Officer J. Murali has said that meticulous planning is underway to organise the forthcoming event on the lines of Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad in 2013, which had witnessed a crowd of around 12 crore.
At media conference here on Thursday, he said that the East Godavari administration had taken suggestions from the UP government on various aspects of Kumbh Mela and similar plans were being drawn for the Pushakarams too.
“Top priority will be accorded to pilgrims’ amenities including bathing ghats, sanitation and drinking water supply,” he said. More than 7,000 sanitation workers would be engaged during the 12-day event, while another 3,000 mobilised from other districts would be kept on standby. “To keep all bathing ghats clean, we are procuring two floating skimmer machines on lease for four weeks on a rent of Rs.13 lakh a month per machine,” Mr. Murali said, adding that temporary toilets would be constructed in a large scale.
Mr. Murali further said that the Municipal Corporation of Rajahmundry (MCR) would take up special drive to ensure that Pushkarams were plastic free. Replying to a question, he said replacement of plastic with thick paper or any other material would be considered at a later stage.
“River Ambulances will be engaged while Irrigation officials have been asked to ensure the water level at around four feet during the 12 days. Mr. Murali said six approach roads to Kotilingala ghat which would be the widest would be laid within a month.
We have taken suggestions from the UP Govt. on various aspects of Kumbh Mela and similar plans are being drawn for the Pushakarams too.
J. Murali,
Godavari Pushkarams Special Officer
