Godavari should symbolize development: CM

Hyderabad, June 11 (INN): To make Godavari Maha Pushkarams 2015 a national event and a celebration of people's spiritual relationship with River Godavari, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the 12-day event should be etched in the minds of people.

Godavari Pushkarams should be promoted in a way where we infuse new vigour into people, directing it towards development of the state, instead of making it a mere cultural event. 'The reason we are emphasising on this River is because we are trying to drought-proof the state with this river's water,' he said, continuing 'we can have theme-based activities where knowledge-integration is linked with cultural performances, contests/exhibitions, etc.'

Beginning on July 14, the event will go on for 12 days till July 25. However, a curtain raiser event has been planned for July 13.

Emphasizing on finishing pending works by June 25, the Chief Minister said that event should be culturally-vibrant including all aspects such as technology, knowledge-transfer, social empowerment, awareness-building on Swachh Andhra Pradesh and other social issues.

For a constant follow-up on works, the Chief Minister directed officials to integrate all works at Ghats and various centres through GIS where pictures of works from respective places can directly be updated to the central control room. 'A mobile app can be developed where updates can be viewed.'

The Chief Minister was informed that about 15,000 sanitation workers will be deputed at different places where the event is being held. Constant monitoring and cleaning activities will be taken up. 15,000 trash cans in red and blue colours will be places to separate dry and wet waste.

Daily cleaning of drains, collection and disposal of solid waste before, during and after the event is taking place. 'Accommodation for sanitation workers is also being provided.' Workers are being deputed 4-5 days prior to the event so as to acquaint themselves with the place and the surroundings. During this period, they will also be trained.

On the amenities for public, the Chief Minister asked officials to look into the influx of people from the Maha Pushkarams held 12 years ago and estimate the number of people who will participate. 'These estimates will also give us a fair idea about the kind of preparation the government has to do for the event,' he added.

The Chief Minister suggested the municipal administration department to earmark areas for sanitation workers and rotate them. 'Hourly updates from sanitation workers and supervisors have to make it to the database of the central control room,' the Chief Minister explained.

On medical camps, the Chief Minister was informed that three categories of personnel were being deployed: Category A (three shifts at main ghats), Category B (two shifts at ghats with medium population) and Category C (one shift at rural ghats in villages).

'Referral units, PHCs and CHCs have been intimated to stock up medicines supplies and serve people in need,' officials informed the Chief Minister.

In case of any mishaps near the ghats, the government will deploy over 3,500 swimmers and 871 boats apart from having fire services in place.

With security being one of the most crucial aspects of Pushkarams, 18,000 police personnel will be deployed. About 458 CCTV cameras will be installed at all important junctions apart from constant surveillance of crowd and traffic.

The government has decided to synchronize rail and road transport where buses will be readily available for those arriving through trains, without any waste of time.

For accommodation of people, the Chief Minister suggested booking of all the available spaces including schools, colleges, universities, hotels, resorts, etc. 'Temporary changing rooms and tents should be erected for people,' he added.

The Chief Minister also suggested an innovative way to accommodate people. He said having sleeper a/c buses to accommodate people could be a good idea. 'The APSRTC can procure such buses from Mumbai. For those without washrooms, temporary washrooms can be erected in the vicinity.'

With traffic set to increase on a massive scale during the 12 days of the event, the Chief Minister has sought a pollution monitoring and control mechanism on a daily basis.

To set the mood of Pushkarams among people, 24 LED screens telecasting Pushkaram-related programs are being put up at various centres. Meanwhile, BSNL is working on setting up free Wifi hotspots with 5G connectivity at various locations including bus stops.

The Endowments Department officials informed the Chief Minister that priests have been identified for performing pujas and will be given identity cards. 'Ghats will have separate sheds for them.'

Stating that the event has to create an ecosystem, the Chief Minister suggested that food festival, discussions, debates, Kuchipudi and local arts performance, photo exhibition stalls selling DWCRA groups' products and several other events can be held at one place. 'This will attract people to the place and generate economic activity,' he added.

To make Kuchipudi an inherent part of the state, he added that every family must encourage their kids to take up the dance form. 'Be it a girl or boy, Kuchipudi should be portrayed as an art that is gives mental relaxation as well as keeps you fit.'

From crowdsourcing photos of the picturesque Godavari River on social media to holding concerts involving the film industry and famous artists from all fields, the Chief Minister said that the event has to be discussed everywhere across the state.

On tourism packages tailor-made keeping Godavari Pushkarams in mind, Vijayawada to Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam to Rajahmundry packages have been designed. 'Sky lantern festival, food festival every day in Rajahmundry, laser shows, sand art show, sound and light shows will be key highlights.'

Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, advisor (communications), government of AP, suggested that 'Akhanda Harathi' on lines of that in Kashi. 'This could be coupled with a boat ride through which the 'Harathi' could be watched,' the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister added that 'Godavari's purified water' will be bottled and sold at stalls to people in the same way as Gangajal. 'People will associate with the divinity of the Godavari water and will take it home, if required.'

For those interested in Annadanam or setting up stalls at food festivals, the government will provide vegetables at subsidized rate so as to root out any shortfall of vegetables, eventually controlling prices. Vegetables will be supplied through Mobile Rythu Bazars at regulated rates while milk and dairy products will also be made available.'

Regarding sports, a Marathon including national, international, local sports stars will begin in various villages and culminate into a massive congregation at the main ghat in Rajahmundry. 'Games will be held in 112 mandals. Kabaddi, Volleyball, Athletics, Skating, Cycling will be held.'

For students, teachers and people taking part in the events during the 12 days of Pushkarams, a memento with Pushkarams logo will be presented to participants divided into three categories.

'Constant evaluation of public satisfaction and constantly monitoring of works is required,' the Chief Minister said.

Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao, Minister P. Narayana, Manikyala Rao, Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Ayannapatrudu, Acchan Naidu, Siddha Raghava Rao and officials of all departments were present at the meeting.