Gaya: Assembly speaker Prem Kumar on Saturday reviewed preparations for Pitrapaksh Mela at key locations in Gaya and Bodh Gaya and directed officials to ensure that all arrangements for pilgrims are completed before the event, scheduled from Sept 25 to Oct 10.Kumar stressed the need for better cleanliness, sanitation, security, drinking water, accommodation and basic amenities at pilgrimage sites and other mela locations. During inspections of Matangvapi, Dharmaranya, Maa Saraswati temple, Ramshila temple and Dev Ghat, he directed officials to improve sanitation, clean ponds and surroundings, repair damaged portions and paint passenger shelters, temples and dharamshalas.Reviewing arrangements for pilgrim accommodation and transport, Kumar directed officials to complete road works and install paver blocks around the proposed tent city at Gandhi Maidan. At the Gaya College and Sikaria Mor bus stands, he ordered repair and painting of passenger shelters, removal of encroachments and road repairs to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and buses. He also directed officials to improve facilities around the Panchayati Akhara bus stand and clean drains in the mela area.Kumar said all departments should complete preparations well before the mela to ensure that pilgrims do not face inconvenience. Gaya municipal commissioner Gagan Kumar, Sadar SDO Anil Kumar Raman, municipal engineers and officials of various departments accompanied the speaker during the inspection.
