Lucknow, Oct 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, conducted a thorough review of the arrangements for the upcoming annual Kartik Purnima fair in Garhmukteshwar (in Hapur district) and the Tigri fair in Amroha on Sunday.

After performing an aerial survey of the fairgrounds, he convened a meeting to discuss the necessary preparations and provided directives to all relevant departments.

The Chief Minister highlighted that approximately 40 to 45 lakh devotees are expected to gather along the banks of the Ganga during Kartik Purnima for the sacred dip and to light lamps. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all arrangements are made promptly, effectively, and with the aim of providing a smooth experience for the attendees.

CM Yogi emphasized that officials should prioritize aspects such as traffic management, security, sanitation, health services, drinking water, and lighting. This year's fair, scheduled from October 30 to November 5, is being referred to as a “mini Kumbh.”

Stressing the importance of safety for devotees, the Chief Minister ordered the deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams, installation of CCTV and drone surveillance, alongside the provision of rescue boats and helpline centres at all Ganga ghats.

He also pointed out the necessity to integrate the fair with messages of cleanliness and environmental conservation, advocating for a complete ban on single-use plastics. The Irrigation Department has been assigned to oversee the installation of checkerboard plates, testing of pontoon bridges, and the timely completion of dredging in areas prone to erosion.

CM Yogi directed that NDRF/SDRF and flood units remain in constant readiness in deep-water regions, with appropriate barricading. Additionally, counseling sessions should be organized to promote orderly conduct among the devotees. Continuous monitoring of CCTV feeds, public address systems, and the Integrated Control Centre should be maintained.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of cleanliness and ensuring vehicle safety in parking areas.

He instructed that all temporary toilets must be equipped with zero-liquid-discharge systems to prevent leaks. Proper crowd management, clean changing facilities, effective waste and bottle collection systems, as well as uninterrupted power supply, must be assured. The Electricity Department has been tasked with ensuring electrical safety at all sites.

Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed Ganga Puja at the fair location and inspected the Sadar Bazaar established in the Garh Mela area. He also visited the ‘Modha’ store under construction in Garhmukteshwar and praised the craftsmanship and quality of the traditional Modha.

Garhmukteshwar holds significant religious and mythological importance. According to tradition, following the Mahabharata war, Yudhishthira, Arjuna, and Lord Krishna bathed in the Ganga here to pray for the peace of their ancestors. It is also believed that Lord Parashurama established the sacred Mukteshwar Mahadev at this very site.

The Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata both reference Garhmukteshwar as a venerated pilgrimage destination, where bathing in the Ganga and praying for one's ancestors is said to yield salvation. The annual Kartik Purnima fair serves not only as a testament to deep religious belief but also as a lively exhibition of cultural heritage and folk traditions.

Every year, millions of devotees converge at Brijghat and Mukteshwar Ghat to take the holy dip, illuminate lamps, and perform rituals in honor of their ancestors.