Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu makes ‘clean’ promises ahead of Godavari Pushkarulu celebrations

Jupiter is nearing Simha Rashi (Leo), and Andhra Pradesh is leaving no stone unturned in assuring that everything goes ‘extremely’ well. Pushkaram is an Indian festival when 12 mythically important rivers and rivulets are worshipped. These rivers gain prominence at the time when Jupiter enters a Rashi (Hindu zodiac sign) that suits each of them. This year it’s Godavari’s turn and Andhra is preparing for the celebrations in a grand way.

On this occasion, CM Chandrababu Naidu has given reasons as to why this time the Pushkarulu will defeat its previous versions and be ‘unique’. Not only is the Andhra CM making sure that the whole affair is made transparent and safe for people, but is also seeing to that the river is cleansed at periodic intervals.

The river will be sanitized and the surroundings be kept neat for the 24 important days of the festival, when there is a high chance of the water body being polluted due to the various offerings made by  devotees.

Read excerpts from the many promises made by the CM in a Facebook post, below:

1. 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.

 2. Municipal administration department is earmarking 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

 5. 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.

 6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Constant evaluation of public satisfaction and constantly monitoring of works is required.

Isn’t this setting a great example for ‘smart’ celebrations?

Also read

Making a Singapore in India, 12 things you didn’t know about Andhra’s capital ‘Amaravathi’