Parking Near Bhairav Temple to be Opened, Women’s Groups Assigned Key Responsibilities
Almora. Administrative preparations for the Nanda Devi Festival have intensified. On Monday, District Magistrate (DM) Alok Kumar Pandey conducted an on-site inspection of the town and directed that the parking facility near Bhairav Temple be opened immediately. He emphasized that with the expected surge of devotees and tourists during the festival, ensuring a well-managed parking system would be the administration’s top priority.
DM Pandey said, “The Nanda Devi Festival is a symbol of Kumaon’s faith and culture. Thousands of devotees come here. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and convenient environment for all. Considering the shortage of municipal staff, this time women from self-help groups are being given responsibilities. Their participation will not only strengthen arrangements but also provide an opportunity for women’s economic empowerment.”
During the inspection, the DM instructed all departments to pay special attention to crowd management, security, traffic control, and sanitation arrangements. He added that close coordination among departments was the key to the festival’s successful organization.
Present on the occasion were Mayor of Almora Ajay Verma, Municipal Commissioner Ram Sharan Sharma, SDM Sanjay Kumar, Councillor Amit Sah ‘Monu’, CO Gopal Datt Joshi, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Laxman Singh Bhandari, Councillor Arjun Singh Bisht, Councillor Abhishek Joshi, among others.
Mayor Ajay Verma stated, “The municipal corporation is giving special attention to cleanliness, drinking water, electricity supply, and toilets in the fair area. With the involvement of women’s groups, arrangements will be more organized. The Nanda Devi Festival is not only Almora’s but the entire Kumaon region’s festival of faith, and our utmost effort is to ensure that devotees face no inconvenience.”
Municipal Commissioner Ram Sharan Sharma added that despite limited resources, the corporation is working to its full capacity. “Our teams will remain fully alert during the festival. With the active role of women’s self-help groups, both cleanliness and discipline will be ensured.”
Councillor Amit Sah ‘Monu’ remarked, “The Nanda Devi Festival is a symbol of Almora’s faith, culture, and identity. All councillors will remain active in their respective wards to ensure smooth arrangements for devotees and tourists. With the cooperation of the administration and the municipal corporation, this year’s event will be even more grand.”
Other councillors also assured preparations in their respective areas, vowing to provide a smooth environment for devotees.
Concluding the inspection, DM Pandey said, “The Nanda Devi Festival is not just a religious event but also a reflection of Kumaon’s tradition and folk culture. All departments must fulfill their responsibilities with seriousness and timeliness. Mismanagement will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
With the joint efforts of the administration and municipal corporation, and with the active participation of women’s groups, this year’s Nanda Devi Festival is expected to be even more grand, well-organized, and vibrant.
