Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today visited the revered Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla and paid obeisance there.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards ensuring better facilities and smooth conduct of religious events across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the visit, the Minister undertook a detailed review of the arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming annual Kheer Bhawani Mela. He interacted with the officers from various departments regarding preparedness for the pilgrimage.
He directed the concerned departments to ensure that all necessary arrangements, including sanitation, uninterrupted power and water supply, healthcare facilities, security coordination, cleanliness and transportation facilities are put in place well in advance for the convenience of devotees expected to participate in large numbers during the mela.
Emphasising the importance of hassle-free transportation for the pilgrims, the Minister instructed the Transport Department to ensure seamless bus connectivity to the shrine from different locations, particularly during the festival days.
Satish Sharma said that religious and cultural events form an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage. The government remains committed towards facilitating the devotees and preserving the spiritual ethos associated with such revered places, he added.
Later, the Minister visited the revered Mir Baba Hyder shrine, where he reviewed the infrastructure and civic amenities available for the devotees. He instructed the concerned officers to undertake solarisation of the shrine complex as part of the government’s push towards sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure development at important religious places.
The Minister also directed the authorities to augment other facilities at the shrine, including lighting, sanitation and public convenience infrastructure, so as to improve the overall experience for the devotees.
During the visit, Satish Sharma also met several deputations representing different areas and communities. The deputations projected various public welfare and developmental issues before the Minister.
Giving a patient hearing to the concerns raised, the Minister assured the deputations that their genuine issues would be examined sympathetically and appropriate measures would be taken for their early redressal.
The Minister also interacted with a deputation of Kabaddi players and young sportspersons, who apprised him of issues related to sports infrastructure and training facilities.
Satish Sharma appreciated the enthusiasm and commitment of the youth towards sports. He reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen the sporting infrastructure and provide greater opportunities for youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir.