Focus on facilities & security ahead of Malmas Mela: CM

Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Saturday asked officials of Nalanda district to make comprehensive preparations for the forthcoming Malmas Mela-2026 and to ensure that the large number of devotees visiting Rajgir during the monthlong fair do not face any inconvenience.Chairing a review meeting at the International Convention Centre, Rajgir, Nitish asked officials concerned to make complete arrangements for accommodation, drinking water, cleanliness, basic facilities and security, keeping in mind the needs of devotees arriving for the event.This year, the Malmas Mela will be held from May 15 to June 15 at the Brahma Kund in Rajgir. Lakhs of devotees from across the country gather for a holy bath during the Mela.“A large number of devotees visit Rajgir during the Malmas Mela. Keep every route towards Rajgir in good condition to ensure people face no inconvenience in movement. This year too, there is a possibility of a huge turnout of people. Keeping this in mind, take special care of their accommodation, medical, security and other necessary facilities so that the devotees face no difficulties,” Nitish said during the review.He also asked officials to ensure robust security arrangements during the Mela. “Keep trained police forces alert in the Mela premises so that the situation remains controlled and people remain safe,” Nitish said.Nalanda DM Kundan Kumar briefed the CM on the preparations underway for the Malmas Mela.Earlier, the CM visited Motnaje village under Nardiganj block of Nawada district, where he inspected the ‘Gangaji Rajgriha reservoir’. Nitish toured the reservoir complex and reviewed the arrangements. Officials informed him that the Gangaji water supply scheme is being implemented effectively. “As per your directions, iron fencing was installed around the reservoir for security purposes,” officials told the CM.During the inspection, Nitish said, “People in Gaya, Bodhgaya, Nawada and Rajgir urban areas are being provided Gangaji water as pure drinking water under the Gangaji water supply scheme.”“Continue to provide pure Gangaji water to people continuously. There should be no hindrance of any kind in the water supply. Keep this reservoir complex organised, clean and environment-friendly,” Nitish told the officials at Motnaje.Accompanied by the state’s rural development minister Shrawan Kumar and Nalanda MP Kaushalendra Kumar, the CM also inspected the ‘Griddhakut Bhavan’ in Rajgir and reviewed the arrangements there. He examined the new ropeway passing through the ‘Griddhakut Bhavan’ and sought information regarding tourist facilities.He further directed that all facilities should continue to be provided efficiently so that tourists visiting the Mela do not face any difficulty.