RAJAHMUNDRY: The district administration is plannings to impose some curbs on autos plying here during the forthcoming Godavari Maha Pushkaralu (GMP), scheduled to be held from July 14, by allowing only the owner-driven ones to operate in the city to facilitate easy movement of the thousands of pilgrims attending the mega event.
According to sources, while this idea was mooted at a review meeting convened by district collector H Arun Kumar here on S aturday, a final decision in this regard will be taken shortly in consultation with the auto unions and political leaders. They said that at present 12,000 autos were moving about in the city and added that if no curbs were imposed on the same they would hinder the movement of pilgrims on the narrow roads and lanes in the city.
The sources said that while the administration had identified 1,300 rooms in 50 hotels and 270 government institutions to accommodate the visiting pilgrims, it was also seeking the co-operation of private apartment-owners for additional accommodation.
They said that the district administration had divided the city into sectors and zones for easy movement of traffic and other purposes. It had also decided to deploy six mobile ‘rythu bazaars’ and procure several tonnes of vegetables from other districts, they said.
Meanwhile, the police department had provided 500 closed circuit cameras as part of the security arrangements, they added.
The sources quoted Arun Kumar as having told the meeting that 165 bathing ghats were coming up in the district and that all necessary facilities had been provided at the ghats for the pilgrims. He also reportedly told the meeting that 12 open places had been identified for parking of vehicles and that all the GMP- related works would be completed as per schedule.