Mangaluru: Shree Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust has urged authorities to make advance arrangements for traffic management, public safety and waste disposal as Navaratri draws large numbers of devotees from Mangaluru, neighbouring districts and other states.The trust submitted a representation to Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner, with copies to Mangaluru City police commissioner, MCC commissioner, MP, MLA and district minister. It sought coordination among departments, temple authorities and local associations before the festival.Kudroli Shree Gokarnanatheshwara Temple and Mahathobara Shree Mangaladevi Temple record a sharp rise in footfall, vehicular movement and temporary fair stalls during Navaratri.Trust coordinators, who have assisted traffic police on Mangaladevi Temple Road every Friday for the past few months, suggested declaring a 100-metre radius around the temple a vehicle- and stall-free zone. They also proposed restrictions on heavy and goods vehicles and advance notification of alternative routes.The trust recommended allowing temporary stalls only at designated locations, identifying a single point for bus parking and exploring the new bus stand for bus halting. It also sought adequate parking and pedestrian arrangements for devotees and residents.Stall owners should provide separate bins for wet and dry waste and hand it to authorised collection agencies, the trust said. It called for regular monitoring, with MCC imposing fines for littering and improper dumping.The trust also sought advance planning for traffic diversions, parking, waste collection and cleaning during processions and peak hours. It said cooperation among devotees, stall owners, residents, community organisations and govt departments would reduce congestion and maintain cleanliness.Trust maintained that Dasara should be an opportunity not only for celebration but also to demonstrate responsible citizenship and efficient civic management. Cooperation among devotees, stall owners, residents, community organisations and govt departments would help reduce congestion and maintain cleanliness during the festival, members stated.
