Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Reviews Preparations for Pitru Paksha Mela – 2024 in Gaya

Chirag Gupta

Gaya: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday visited the Vishnupad temple in Gaya to offer prayers and wish for the state’s peace, prosperity, and happiness. He then inaugurated the newly constructed alternative access path and integrated drainage work to the Vishnupad temple, which connects the temple directly to Manpur bridge and NH-82. This path, designed as a corridor from Sitakund to Gayaji Dham, will ease movement for devotees by bypassing narrow routes.

In addition, the Chief Minister remotely laid the foundation stones for several infrastructure projects. These include the construction of a box drain-cum-road from Ghughri Tand to the Falgu river, a PCC path from NH-82 to the Vishnupad temple, and the widening and strengthening of Subrat Path along NH-82. He also initiated soil conservation works on Brahmayoni and Pretshila hills, as well as a new parking area and ramp near the temple.

Following these inaugurations, Nitish chaired a review meeting at Gaya Collectorate to assess preparations for the upcoming Pitru Paksha Mela, scheduled from September 17 to October 2. District Magistrate Thiyagrajan SM presented a detailed plan covering housing, cleanliness, water supply, sanitation, healthcare, electricity, and transportation, along with security and traffic management. A short film showcasing the success of the 2023 Mela and praising the arrangements was also screened.

Special attention has been given to the elderly and disabled devotees, with designated transport services and facilities. The District Magistrate introduced the “Pinddaan Gaya” mobile app, which provides real-time information about the Mela. A call center will also be available for additional assistance.

During the review, the CM emphasized the significance of the Pitru Paksha Mela, where devotees from across India and abroad come to offer prayers for their ancestors. He urged officials to ensure cleanliness, safety, and proper arrangements at all altars and ghats. Special attention was directed towards maintaining the cleanliness of ponds and water sources, especially at the newly constructed Gayaji Dam on the Falgu river.

Public representatives, including Ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Nitish Mishra, Prem Kumar, Nitin Nabeen, Santosh Kumar Suman, were present at the review. Several senior government officials, including Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena and Director General of Police Alok Raj, also participated in the meeting to discuss the ongoing preparations for the Mela.