Ensure Ganga water supply at Vishnupad by June 27: DM

GAYA: District magistrate Thiyagarajan SM has instructed the executive engineer of Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) to ensure commencement of Ganga water supply under Ganga Udvah Yojana at Dev ghat near Vishnupad temple by June 27.

The DM has directed to expedite the pipeline connection process for the purpose. He issued the instruction in view of the huge gathering of devotees at the Vishnupad temple. A large number of devotees from different states and abroad arrive in Gaya to perform 'pinddaan' rituals. Besides, local devotees throng the Vishnupad temple to offer puja on every auspicious occasions.One such auspicious occasion is on Wednesday, when devotees will observe 'Nirjala Ekadashi'. Huge gathering of devotees from far off places is expected to offer puja at the Vishnupad temple on Wednesday and the temple will remain open on Wednesday night.

Members of the Vishnupad Temple Management Committee said at a meeting with the DM on Tuesday, "Devotees from far off places come to Vishnupad on the occasion of 'Nirjala Ekadashi' and they will offer prayers at the temple and Dev Ghat since early morning on Wednesday. Most of the devotees take rest in the night around the temple and they return after doing 'mangal aarti' on the next day.

The DM instructed executive engineer Gaya Ji dam (rubber dam) to set up an additional tank in view of the expected crowd. One 'kund' has already been made.

He also asked SP Himanshu Kumar to depute police personnel at the Vishnupad temple, Dev ghat, Gajadhar ghat and other important places.

The officials concerned were also directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, pure and cold drinking water tanker, deputation of medical team with ambulance, keep sufficient amount of essential medicines and ORS as well for convenience of the devotees.