Khichdi Mela is a platform to showcase Gorakhpur’s progress: CM Yogi

Gorakhpur : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday evening, reviewed the arrangements for the globally renowned Khichdi Mela with officials in the assembly hall of the Gorakhnath Temple.

CM Yogi emphasized that the upcoming Khichdi Mela, which will run from Makar Sankranti to Mahashivratri, presents a significant opportunity to highlight Gorakhpur’s progress. During the meeting, the Chief Minister was briefed on the efforts being made by various departments for a successful Mela.

He directed the administration to ensure that every devotee attending the fair leaves with a memorable and positive impression of the city.

The Chief Minister instructed all departments responsible for the safety, comfort, and convenience of visitors to finalize their preparations by December 25 without fail.

Stressing the cultural and religious significance of the event, he said, “The Khichdi Mela is a beacon of faith not only for devotees in eastern Uttar Pradesh but also for those in Bihar, Nepal, and across the world.” Accordingly, he directed officials to ensure top-notch facilities for all attendees.

The Chief Minister underscored that the positive transformation of Gorakhpur should be reflected in the Khichdi Mela. He called for meticulous attention to security and the seamless provision of essential services. This includes robust traffic management, well-maintained roads, adequate sanitation facilities, bonfires, community kitchens (langars), and sufficient public amenities such as toilets.

Highlighting the need for sustainability, CM Yogi instructed officials to ensure that the Khichdi Mela is plastic-free. He also recommended setting up multiple stations for shoe and slipper storage across the fairgrounds.

Furthermore, he directed that no devotee should have to spend the night in the open. Arrangements must be made to respectfully accommodate visitors in nearby night shelters, which should be equipped with clean bedding, blankets, and adequate facilities.

To ensure the safety of the event, he called for timely inspections of all amusement rides and swings being set up at the fair. The police were advised to remain vigilant and prioritize security. For a smoother visitor experience, vehicle parking must be organized in designated areas, with proper lighting and cleanliness maintained at parking zones, he stated.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the need for seamless transportation facilities for devotees attending the Khichdi Mela. He directed the Transport Department to ensure sufficient roadway buses are available, covering routes from villages to the fair.

The Railway Administration was instructed to operate special trains from various stations, He also called for deployment of electric city buses from Gorakhpur railway station and bus station.

Additionally, he advised that information about these transport arrangements be widely disseminated in advance. The Chief Minister also called for heightened vigilance from the Health Department, instructing them to set up health camps within the fairgrounds to address medical needs promptly.

While reviewing the preparations for the Khichdi Mela, CM Yogi also evaluated ongoing development projects in Gorakhpur and explored potential initiatives to enhance the city’s transformation into a smart city.

He suggested considering the introduction of double-decker buses to improve urban transport. To address Gorakhpur’s parking challenges, he instructed the GDA, Municipal Corporation, Administration, and Police to devise a coordinated action plan.

He recommended identifying locations for parking facilities, including multi-level parking, wherever needed. Additionally, he stressed the importance of preventing minors from driving vehicles.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Forestry University project and the operational status of the Jatayu Conservation Center, emphasizing the timely and high-quality completion of road projects. He also directed that roadside drains be covered to enable their use as footpaths, ensuring both utility and aesthetic appeal.

Discussing preparations for the upcoming Gorakhpur Mahotsav, scheduled from January 10 to 12, CM Yogi encouraged active participation from public representatives.

He proposed organizing sports and cultural competitions at the Gram Panchayat, Nyay Panchayat, and Vikas Khand levels, integrating these events with the Mahotsav. Furthermore, he suggested organizing an exhibition showcasing Gorakhpur’s rich history and development milestones during the festival.

The Municipal Commissioner informed the Chief Minister about constructing three new temporary night shelters in addition to the 14 permanent ones already in place, in preparation for the Prayagraj Mahakumbh.

These temporary shelters near railway and bus stations aim to cater to devotees traveling to Prayagraj. In response, CM Yogi underscored the need for robust security measures, including deploying an adequate number of women police officers, to ensure safety and comfort for all visitors.

In the review meeting, the PWD, Municipal Corporation, Police, Electricity Department, Health Department, Supply Department, Forest Department and Forest Corporation, Northeast Railway, Transport and Information Department informed the Chief Minister about their preparations for Khichdi Mela. Mayor Dr Manglesh Shrivastava, ADG Zone Dr KS Pratap, Commissioner Anil Dhingra, IG Anand Kulkarni, District Magistrate Krishna Karunesh, Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Singh Sogarwal, GDA Vice President Anand Vardhan along with officials from many departments including administration, police, PWD, electricity, health were present.