Inform about no VIP arrangements at Ardhkumbhmela: U'khand guv

Directing officials to accord 'topmost' priority to devotees during upcoming Ardhkumbh Mela, Uttarakhand Governor Krishna Kant Paul today asked them to inform all state governments that no special arrangements would be made for VIPs during the event.
"All states should be informed that there will be no special arrangements for any VIPs or special persons during the event, so that people in general are not inconvenienced," Paul said.
Reviewing arrangements ahead of the event scheduled to begin from January 14, Governor asked officials to coordinate with their counterparts in neighbouring states to put in place special security arrangements in view of the huge congregation of people on the banks of Ganga in Haridwar.

Paul asked them to keep in mind all possible challenges that they might face during the mela and equip themselves accordingly to deal with any eventuality.
The media should also be briefed from time to time about all the highlights and facilities at the mela, he added.
Expressing satisfaction over the preparations made so far, the Governor said proper utilisation of resources, dedication of all officials and staff concerned, active participation of local organisations and a positive role by the media could together result in successful organisation of the event, which is associated with the faith and devotion of crores of people.

Officials entrusted with the task of organising the event also briefed the Governor about the security arrangements made for the event, bathing ghats identified for pilgrims, traffic plan, crowd management and so on.