RAJAHMUNDRY: The government is planning to provide first-aid centres in speed boats during the forthcoming Godavari Maha Pushkarams (GMP). ‘May I Help You’ centres will also be arranged at several places to guide the pilgrims with all necessary information.
Bathing ghats would be divided into compartments for the benefit of pilgrims who take holy dip in the river.
Meanwhile, a massive garbage clearance programme will be organised at the bathing ghats in April. Saraswati VIP Ghat will be constructed near the existing Gowtami Ghat. This was disclosed by endowments principal secretary J S V Prasad at a review meeting at the Roads and Buildings Guest House here Thursday.
Underlining the need to complete all the works before June, he said temporary toilets would be provided for pilgrims in schools. A massive campaign would be taken up against the usage of plastic during the river festival. East Godavari collector H Arun Kumar said the South Central Railway (SCR) officials were ready to accord permission for extension of bathing ghats. West Godavari Collector Katamaneni Bhaskar said 400 closed circuit cameras would be arranged at various places for the safety of pilgrims.
Panchayat Raj commissioner Ramanjaneyulu, endowments commissioner Y V Anuradha, Eluru range deputy inspector-general of police S Hari Kumar, Rajahmundry urban superintendent of police S Hari Krishna, Pushkarams special officer J Murali, sub-collector V V Raju and APEPDCL chairman R M Raju were present.