Chandigarh, March 2 (NationPress) In a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing pilgrimage facilities and fostering eco-friendliness, Punjab's Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Monday introduced plans for a permanent all-weather tent city in conjunction with the ongoing Hola Mohalla festivities at Anandpur Sahib.

Bains presented a range of measures, including India’s inaugural permanent air-conditioned tent city, along with the launch of Green Hola Mohalla. He stated, “The establishment of the permanent tent city was inspired by the success of a temporary structure from last year and a follow-up inspection by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, leading to this facility being set up in the sacred city.”

“This marks a significant milestone for Punjab’s religious tourism. We are inaugurating a permanent, fully air-conditioned tent city today. This unique facility will alleviate accommodation shortages encountered by pilgrims throughout the year. It will benefit devotees under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme and significantly enhance Anandpur Sahib’s tourism appeal, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors,” he added.

Reiterating the government's dedication to environmental protection, Bains announced that this year's Hola Mohalla will be marked as Green Hola Mohalla. He disclosed that a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics is now in effect, with the Punjab Pollution Control Board covering the costs of providing biodegradable alternatives at all langar sites.

“Considering the large scale of langars catering to millions of devotees, we have prioritized environmental sustainability. Every plate, cup, and utensil utilized will be composed of biodegradable, non-plastic materials,” he affirmed.

Extending an invitation to the global Sikh community, the minister noted that after honoring the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib and the Shaheedi Sabha in Fatehgarh Sahib with reverence, the government is now approaching Hola Mohalla with renewed enthusiasm.

He encouraged families to partake in the festivities and immerse themselves in the spiritual magnificence of this historic event.

The sacred city of Anandpur Sahib has been beautifully illuminated and decorated, creating an enchanting atmosphere during the nights.

The upgraded Panj Piaras Park showcases the government's commitment to heritage restoration, while the Bhai Jaita Ji Museum and other historic sites continue to draw visitors with their rich displays.

To accommodate the influx of devotees traveling by tractors and trolleys from all over Punjab, the Ropar district administration has established 28 designated parking areas along with two specialized trolley cities and specific trolley streets.

These facilities include restrooms, CCTV monitoring, and LED information screens, strategically positioned to serve various regions.

Devotees from Majha and Doaba will be directed to the Trolley City near Charan Ganga, while those from Malwa and the Chandigarh region will be accommodated at the facility in village Jhinjri.

Bains mentioned that 100 e-rickshaw shuttle services will operate to transport devotees to key religious sites like Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and Qila Anandgarh Sahib, ensuring smooth transit during the celebrations. He also revealed that the evening sky will be illuminated with a spectacular fireworks display on March 2 and 3 at Virasat-e-Khalsa, adding to the grandeur of the Hola Mohalla festivities.