Varanasi: With lakhs of devotees, including a large number of women kanwariyas, expected to arrive in Varanasi during the holy month of Shrawan for ‘Jalabhishek’ at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Yogi govt has made special arrangements to ensure their safety, dignity and convenience. Separate accommodation, breastfeeding rooms and toilets will be provided for women at kanwariya camps across the city.A large number of devotees from across the country visit Varanasi during the Shrawan month, including women kanwariyas. Keeping their needs in mind, separate arrangements are being made at camps for women’s stay, breastfeeding rooms and toilets to ensure a safe, smooth and respectful pilgrimage.This year, the Shrawan month will begin on July 30 and continue till August 28. The Varanasi Municipal Corporation is setting up 12 free Kanwariya camps and three cloakrooms across the city. Separate accommodation facilities are being arranged for male and female kanwariyas at these camps. Three safe deposit centres are also being set up for pilgrims to keep their belongings securely.Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal said every camp will have dedicated arrangements for women’s accommodation, toilets and breastfeeding rooms. He added that the Municipal Corporation is fully prepared to arrange additional resting places if required.Each camp will be equipped with lighting, fans, drinking water, mobile charging points, mattresses, bedsheets, pillows, coolers, toilets and caretakers so that kanwariyas do not face any inconvenience.In addition, a joint quick response team comprising personnel from the Jal Kal, electricity, health and general engineering departments has been formed. The team will take immediate action on every complaint and resolve issues related to drinking water, sewerage, roads, sanitation and lighting.Free kanwariya camps will be set up at JP Mehta, Gilat Bazaar near Heaval Hospital, Gilat Bazaar near Chetmani, Chittaranjan Park, Town Hall, Ashtabhuja Temple, opposite Sunbeam School Varuna and Rath Yatra crossing. Free cloakrooms will be available at Chittaranjan Park, Godowlia Crossing and near the Chowk police station premises.
