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New Delhi: The Delhi government has completed its preparations to welcome the Kanwariyas who come to the capital carrying Ganga water from Haridwar and other holy places during the holy month of Shravan. A high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday. In this, the arrangements being made by various departments to conduct the Kanwar Yatra in a smooth, safe and devotional environment were reviewed.

Kanwar Yatra Social Harmony and Cultural Heritage

• The Chief Minister said that Kanwar Yatra is a living example of social harmony and cultural heritage. In the month of Shravan, when lakhs of devotees of Lord Shiva pass through the streets of Delhi chanting 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bol Bam', the entire atmosphere is filled with faith and devotion.
• CM Gupta said that the Delhi government has made extensive arrangements so that every Kanwariya coming to the capital is welcomed with respect, provided security and better facilities.

This review meeting was held in Delhi Secretariat

• In this review meeting held at Delhi Secretariat, Delhi's Art and Culture Minister and Chairman of Kanwar Committee Kapil Mishra, committee members MLA Ajay Mahawar, Anil Sharma, Karnail Singh, Sanjay Goyal and Umang Bajaj along with senior officials of various departments also participated. During the meeting, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government is committed to ensure that every devotee of Lord Shiva coming to the capital feels safe, respected and welcomed.
  According to the Delhi Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Gupta directed the officials and concerned agencies to make all the preparations with a spirit of service and mutual coordination.
• He said that to welcome the Kanwadis, welcome gates will be made on major roads and entry points of Delhi. Arrangements will also be made to welcome the devotees by showering flowers on them. She said that she herself will go to different parts of the city and greet the Kanwariyas.

Delhi CM said nothing should happen to Shiva devotees

• The Chief Minister further said that the people of Delhi have always shown deep faith and a strong sense of service towards the devotees of Lord Shiva. This year too, the government and the public will together make the Kanwar Yatra a memorable occasion of devotion, service and hospitality.
• A single-window system has been created so that Kanwar committees can easily get necessary approvals and other facilities. Its purpose is that the committees do not have to visit different departments and they get all the necessary help on time.
• The Chief Minister directed the officials to maintain close coordination with the Kanwar Committees and provide all possible assistance based on their actual needs, so that the devotees visiting the camps can get the best facilities.
• CM Gupta directed that cleanliness in Kanwar camps should be given top priority. He asked the officials to ensure 24-hour cleaning arrangements and adequate deployment of cleaning staff. Along with increasing the number of mobile toilets, it was also said that special attention should be paid to their quality, regular cleaning and maintenance.
• He also gave clear instructions that all the mobile toilets installed in Kanwar camps should be of good quality and the responsibility of their cleaning and maintenance should be handed over to the concerned agency. He said that negligence will not be tolerated at any level.

Health and medical arrangements for Kanwariyas were also reviewed in detail in the meeting. The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to ensure adequate medical facilities in all the camps. Doctors and health workers will be deployed in different shifts so that devotees can get medical assistance day and night. Instructions were also given to make effective arrangements in advance to provide clean drinking water, uninterrupted electricity supply and deal with waterlogging during the rainy season. During the meeting, traffic management and security arrangements on Kanwar routes were also reviewed in detail.

• Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed the concerned officials to coordinate with Delhi Police and Traffic Police and complete all the preparations related to barricading, route diversion, deployment of PCR and accident prevention well in time. He said that traffic management on major entry routes should be such that the religious pilgrimage of Kanwariyas continues without any hindrance and there is minimum inconvenience to the general public.
• The month of 'Saavan' holds a special place in Hindu mythology. During this time devotees keep fast and pray to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is common to chant Shiva mantras, sing bhajans and perform Rudrabhishek (anointment of Shivalinga with sacred substances) in homes and temples during the month of 'Savan'. (ANI)