PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Nainital
With preparations for the eight-day 124th Shri Maa Nanda Devi Mahotsav continuing in full swing, the district magistrate, Lalit Mohan Rayal said that priority would be given to the local artists associated with the folk culture of Uttarakhand. Notably, the festival is slated to start on September 16.
While chairing a preparatory meeting, he said that the local products would be promoted in the festival. “The chief development officer will allot stalls and special stalls for products of House of Himalaya brand, all-women self-help groups and local entrepreneurs will be set up,” he said, adding that the fair would be made plastic-free. Besides, the whole city will be illuminated with electric lights. “The municipality has been directed to make special lighting arrangements in the Thandi Sadak area,” he said.
He further informed that the municipal corporation has been directed to complete the transparent tendering process on time for all arrangements, including the construction of pandals, tents, stalls, and stages.
He urged the sub-divisional magistrate and the executive officer of the municipal corporation to coordinate with the Shri Ram Seva Samiti to ensure the best possible arrangements at the Shri Ram Sevak Sabha site, outside the Maa Naina Devi Temple complex, and at the fair site.
The DM also directed the Public Works Department to restore the Lower Mall Road before the commencement of the fair. This aside, he instructed the Rural Works Department to address the waterlogging problem at the DSA ground and to place concrete to prevent mud from forming in the fair area.
The municipal corporation was also instructed to maintain proper sanitation throughout the city and to ensure adequate arrangements for mobile toilets during the fair. The drinking water department was asked to ensure smooth supply of drinking water and arrangement of tankers and stand posts.
It was informed in the meeting that a health camp would also be held during the fair in which Ayushman cards will also be issued. Besides, all the liquor shops will remain closed on the main day of the mela.
Among those present were the MLA, Nainital, Sarita Arya and representatives of Shri Ram Sevak Sabha and various social organisations aside from the officers of various departments.
