A status report was filed before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday by the Tiruchi Collector, responding to a petition filed by Swami Govinda Ramanuja Dasa of International Sri Vaishnava Ramanuja Samrajya Sabha, seeking appropriate arrangements for the forthcoming Sri Cauvery Mahapushkara Poorna Kumbhamela, to be held from September 12 to 24 along the banks of the Cauvery in Srirangam.
K. Rajamani, Collector, said in the report that appropriate arrangements were made for the event and the Commissioner, Tiruchi Corporation; Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department; Regional Transport Officer, Srirangam; Tourism Officer and Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, had been instructed to take necessary steps for the event.
The report said that the Corporation would provide 25 bathing taps each for male and female pilgrims separately; a 20,000-litre-capacity water tank for taking bath on the banks of the river; four drinking water dispensers to provide uninterrupted water supply and 30 toilets each for male and female pilgrims, which had already been made available.
High mast lamp posts and focus lights had also been erected. Temporary sheds along the roadside would also be provided, apart from basic amenities at the function spot. Highways department would repair the roads and remove encroachments to ensure free access during the festival.
The police authorities would provide necessary security during the festival. The Tourism Officer would make available separate dressing rooms for male and female pilgrims. The Department of Health and Family Welfare would press into service mobile medical vans and ambulances and organise first aid camps during the festival. Appropriate arrangements would also be made at Srirangam Government Hospital.
It was submitted that the HR and CE department would make arrangements for the functioning of police, medical and fire and rescue services teams and erect watch towers in sensitive areas. TANGEDCO would provide uninterrupted power supply. The TNSTC and the RTO would ensure adequate number of bus services for the convenience of pilgrims and the PWD had been instructed to provide barricades at the bathing ghats on the Cauvery.
The Division Bench of K.K. Sasidharan and G.R. Swaminathan disposed of the petition directing the respondents to make the required arrangements for the festival.
