As devotees prepare to gather in Panchkula for the upcoming Navratri fair at the revered Mansa Devi temple, Haryana Roadways has announced a special bus service for their convenience. The fair is scheduled to take place from April 9 to 17, and the special bus service will operate from the bus stand in Sector 5 of Panchkula.
This decision was shared during a meeting chaired by Panchkula Deputy Commissioner and Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board Chief Administrator, Sushil Sarwan, on Friday. The meeting aimed to review preparations for the upcoming fair.
In addition to the special bus service, the meeting also highlighted that electric buses will be in operation to transport devotees directly to the Mansa Devi temple. This move is expected to facilitate smoother and more eco-friendly transportation for the devotees.
Furthermore, at Kalka’s Kali Mata temple, a complimentary transportation service will be provided to devotees from the parking lot to the temple premises through 12 auto-rickshaws. This initiative aims to ensure that devotees have easy access to the temple premises without any hassle.
To enhance the convenience and comfort of attendees, the Shrine Board has made arrangements catering specifically to senior citizens, pregnant women, and disabled individuals.
The meeting also discussed the comprehensive security arrangements in place for the fair. The fair site has been divided into three zones, with a duty magistrate appointed in each zone. Police checkpoints will be established at 13 locations, and a control room will be set up on the fair premises. Additionally, parking facilities have been arranged at six designated places, with five police patrolling teams appointed for added security. This year, a total of 1,130 police personnel will be on duty throughout the fair duration.
Emphasizing environmental consciousness, Sarwan directed a joint campaign by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board and the municipal corporation to eliminate the use of plastic carry bags during the fair. This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste.
The health department has also been directed to ensure medical facilities are readily available. Doctors will be deployed at the dispensary located in the temple library, with a team available round-the-clock in shifts. Additionally, ambulances will be stationed near the temple and the dispensary for immediate medical assistance. Medical camps will also be organized by AYUSH and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) to provide healthcare services to attendees.
Addressing the need for clean drinking water, Sarwan instructed the public health engineering department to ensure proper arrangements for clean and safe drinking water. Regular water samples will be taken for testing to ensure quality, and food safety officers will monitor the langar and prasad for quality assurance.
The upcoming Navratri fair at Mansa Devi temple promises to be a spiritually enriching and well-organized event, with a focus on devotee convenience, safety, and environmental sustainability.