Srinagar, June 18 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed preparations for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district and said all pending works related to the event would be completed before the festival begins on June 22.
During a visit to the revered shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani, Abdullah inspected facilities being put in place for devotees expected to attend the annual mela from different parts of the country and abroad.
The chief minister said he had undertaken the visit both as head of the government and as the local MLA to assess the arrangements firsthand.
“Some concerns and requirements were brought to my notice by priests and others associated with the shrine. The administration has been directed to address these issues and ensure necessary works are completed before the mela,” he told reporters.
The annual Kheer Bhawani festival is one of the major religious events of the Kashmiri Pandit community and draws thousands of devotees to the shrine every year.
Replying to questions on the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Abdullah said the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is responsible for managing the pilgrimage, while the government is extending all assistance required for its smooth conduct.
He expressed hope that pilgrims visiting both the Kheer Bhawani shrine and the Amarnath cave shrine would be able to perform their religious rituals without inconvenience and said he prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
On reports of irrigation-related problems in parts of Ganderbal district, the chief minister said the government had received inputs about water shortages in some areas and was taking steps to improve supply through irrigation canals and related infrastructure.
He said recent rainfall had provided some relief and added that Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Javed Rana would visit the affected areas along with officials to assess the situation and review remedial measures.
Asked about transit accommodation being constructed for Kashmiri Pandit employees in Pulwama district, Abdullah said the facilities were intended for employees recruited under the Prime Minister’s package and formed part of an initiative launched during the tenure of former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.(KNS).
