Ron Duarah
NAMSAI, Jan 7 - The Lohit District administration in Arunachal Pradesh is all set to welcome the pilgrims to the Parasuram Kund Mela from 12 to 15 January, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the new security scenario in the country, post-November 26. The Parasuram Kund is held as one of the holiest places on earth by Hindus.
Reviewing the arrangements on Monday, the Lohit district Deputy Commissioner Kaling Tayeng, Addl. Deputy Commissioner (Namsai) R.K. Sharma and other senior government and security officials inspected the mela site on Sunday. He expressed satisfaction on the arrangements and suggested some improvements so that pilgrims visiting the holy place could take a dip in the Kund with comfort and convenience.
It may be mentioned that the Tourism department has constructed two dormitories for use by the pilgrims. Steps leading to the Kund and railings thereof have been constructed and will be completed within a week. The bathing ghat and changing place have also been constructed. Parking places have been identified and it has been decided that no vehicle will be allowed beyond the parking zone. All the pilgrims shall be frisked thoroughly. These steps have been taken in view of security of the pilgrims, and they have been requested to bear the inconvenience for the safety of all.
Meanwhile, arrangements have also been made to issue entry permits for the vehicles going to Parasuram Kund and for issue of ILP (inner line permit) to the visitors at Dirak and Sunpura check gates.
The Parasuram Seva Samity of Tinsukia will be providing free food to all pilgrims during the Mela days. Volunteers from Vivekananda Kendra and Arunachal Bikash Parishad will extend all help and assistance to the pilgrims. Medical facilities will be provided by the District Medical authorities, in association with Arunachal Pali Vidyapith and Arunachal Bikash Parishad. Medical facilities will be provided round the clock. To facilitate the transportation, the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Department will be running regular bus services from Tinsukia to Parasuram Kund, both ways.
Sharma said the authorities expect the footfall of at least one lakh pilgrims to Parasuram Kund this year. While the mela days are still a few days away, a steady stream of pilgrims and tourists has already begun to flow into the Lohit district.
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