Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations for the world-famous Khichdi Mela at Gorakhnath Temple and directed that all arrangements be completed by 20 December. Emphasizing the safety, convenience, and comfort of pilgrims, the CM instructed officials to ensure that no visitor faces any difficulty during the festival.
Comprehensive Review of Mela Preparations
The Chief Minister held a review meeting at the Gorakhnath Temple auditorium with the Mayor and officials of various departments. He highlighted the significance of the Khichdi Mela, which attracts devotees not only from eastern Uttar Pradesh but also from Bihar, Nepal, and other parts of the country and the world.
CM Yogi instructed that all basic amenities, including entry gates, lighting, sanitation, seating, and rest areas, be arranged to enhance the overall experience for devotees. He also emphasized that the Mela should be a zero-waste event and directed the municipal authorities to ensure proper cleanliness and waste management.
Additionally, arrangements for live telecast via Doordarshan and Akashvani were discussed to allow devotees unable to attend in person to participate virtually.
Transportation and Special Train Services
To facilitate easy access, the CM announced that Khichdi Mela special trains will run from various stations, and the railway administration has been instructed to ensure smooth operations. Electric city buses will also be arranged from nearby stations to transport devotees efficiently.
The Chief Minister urged the Transport Department to arrange bus services connecting remote rural areas to the Mela site and to extensively publicize these services.
Safety, Security, and Crowd Management
CM Yogi emphasized that security and crowd management must be top priorities. He directed deployment of sufficient police personnel, including women officers, and establishment of help desks for female pilgrims. A control room with integrated monitoring and CCTV surveillance will ensure safety.
He also instructed the use of NCC and Civil Defence teams for crowd management and stressed the importance of continuous communication via PA systems for timely guidance to visitors.
Health and Shelter Arrangements
The Chief Minister instructed the Health Department to remain on high alert during the Mela. Health camps will be set up, and hospitals will be kept in readiness for any emergency.
To protect pilgrims from cold weather, he directed the Forest Department to ensure adequate arrangements for bonfires. Safe and comfortable shelter facilities must be provided so that no visitor sleeps in the open. All shelters should have sufficient bedding, blankets, and proper sanitation.
Food Safety and Vendor Arrangements
CM Yogi highlighted the need for safety and quality control at temporary shops and food stalls. Electrical safety inspections must be conducted for all stalls, amusement rides must be checked, and food items should be tested to prevent sale of adulterated products.
Multi-Departmental Coordination
The meeting was attended by senior officials from 20 departments, including ADG Zone Mutha Ashok Jain, Commissioner Anil Dhingra, DIG S. Chinappa, District Magistrate Deepak Meena, SSP Rajkarn Ayyar, Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Singh Sogarwal, GDA Vice-Chair Anand Vardhan, and other heads from administration, police, PWD, electricity, health, and municipal authorities.
CM Yogi Adityanath stressed that all preparations must be completed by 20 December and pilgrims’ safety, convenience, and comfort should remain paramount throughout the festival.
