Yogi: Security and better amenities for devotees at Saharanpur fair in Navratri

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday visited Saharanpur to review preparations for the Siddhpeeth Maa Shakumbhari Devi Mela, scheduled to begin on March 19 during Chaitra Navratri.He also inspected progress on development works at the Maa Shakumbhari Devi Siddhpeeth Temple. Emphasising law and order, Yogi directed that all personnel deployed at the fair be briefed to maintain polite behaviour with devotees and visitors. "The fair premises must remain under CCTV surveillance, while Anti-Romeo squads, civil defence volunteers and NGOs should be roped in to support security arrangements," Yogi said. Calling for strict cleanliness measures, the CM said a waste dumping site should be identified away from the fair area. Plastics will be banned inside the mela zone, and separate toilet facilities for men and women must be set up. The CM said pure drinking water, hygienic food options and good-quality prasad must be ensured for visitors. Yogi also instructed officials to fix reasonable parking rates and complete verification of e-rickshaw drivers, auto operators and shopkeepers. "Public welfare schemes should be showcased through govt hoardings, exhibitions and LED vans. Uninterrupted power supply must be ensured. Visitors coming from across the country should carry back a positive message about the state," Yogi told officials. During his inspection of the ongoing tourism corridor project, the CM reviewed work on the souvenir shop, toilet block, tourist facilitation centre and multilevel parking near the temple. He asked officials to complete all planned works within timeframe while maintaining quality. Projects slated for completion in Oct must be ready ahead of Sharadiya Navratri, he said. The CM also instructed that construction of the elevated road from Bhura Dev Temple to Shakumbhari Devi Temple be expedited. Adityanath later offered prayers with Vedic chants at the Bhuradev temple and the Shakumbhari Devi Siddhpeeth temple.