Ashada Shukravara: Buggy for specially-abled planned

To ensure hassle free visits for specially abled persons during Ashada Shukravara puja at the Goddess Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hill, the district administration is planning to introduce buggies.

Presiding over a preliminary meeting on the arrangements to be made for the annual rituals starting from July 4, MUDA Commissioner S Palaiah who holds the additional charge of deputy commissioner, instructed the authorities concerned at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens to operate battery operated buggies from the bus stand to the temple at the hill shrine. The Zoo has been offering the services of battery operated vehicles for senior citizens and children at the menagerie from the past several years.

It was also decided to continue with the free KSRTC bus services from Hotel Lalith Mahal Palace helipad to the hill shrine, and the return journey during Ashada Shukravara (July 4, 11, 18 and 25). The third Friday (July 18) coincides with the ‘vardhanti’ of the Goddess. Taking all these into cognisance, it was also decided to operate 30 buses from the helipad alone to meet the rush. KSRTC officials were directed to run additional buses from the city bus stand to the hill, starting from 9.30 am till the temple closes its door for the day.

Temporary shelters and counters have to be installed at first and second park atop the hill to distribute prasada to the devotees.

As a precautionary measure, adequate teams of doctors and health assistants have to be deployed during the weekly ritual. Food brought by the devotees for mass distribution has to be inspected by the Health and Family Welfare personnel before being distributed.

To entertain devotees, cultural programmes will be regularly held at the mantapa opposite the temple. Officials of Kannada and Culture department were given the responsibility of selecting artistes for the programmes.

The other arrangements to be made includes, barricading system to avoid rush, street lights, cleaning, drinking water, and pruning of trees.

Additional Deputy Commissioner K S Archana, Executive Officer of the temple Anand Gramodhyaya, Assistant Commissioner Basavaraj and Muzrai Tahsildar Yatiraj Sampathkumaran also took part in the meeting.