Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday directed the Police and civil administration to make comprehensive arrangements for the upcoming Shaheedi Sabha at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, asserting that no devotee should face any inconvenience during the religious congregation.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the preparations, Mann said the state government would leave no stone unturned to ensure a peaceful, dignified and hassle-free pilgrimage. He said around 80 lakh devotees had visited the historic town during the previous Shaheedi Sabha, and all departments must work in close coordination to manage the expected rush.
Describing the Shaheedi Sabha as a sacred occasion to pay tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, and Mata Gujri Ji, the Chief Minister said their sacrifice would continue to inspire generations.
200 Shuttle Buses, 20 Aam Aadmi Clinics
To facilitate the movement of pilgrims, Mann announced that 200 shuttle buses would operate during the Shaheedi Sabha to connect villages and adjoining areas with the holy town. The number of e-rickshaws would also be increased to provide last-mile connectivity, particularly for elderly devotees.
He directed officials to repair all roads leading to Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on a war footing and ensure proper traffic management through clearly identified diversion points, especially around the expressway and major approach roads.
The administration will also make 20 Aam Aadmi Clinics operational to provide medical assistance to devotees. Night shelters and adequate accommodation facilities will be arranged in coordination with various Gurdwara management committees.
For maintaining cleanliness, 50 additional volunteers will be deployed alongside Municipal Council employees. Officials have also been directed to ensure regular sanitation, proper waste disposal and maintenance of public facilities.
AI Cameras, Drone Surveillance for Security
Reviewing the security arrangements, the Chief Minister directed the Police Department to ensure foolproof security while making sure devotees are not inconvenienced.
AI-enabled camera systems and drone-based surveillance will be used to monitor crowd movement and identify potential security threats. Motorcycle patrol units, watchtowers and six police help desks will also be established at strategic locations.
A dedicated control room involving the Police and civil administration will function round the clock to address complaints and coordinate emergency responses. Additional mobile towers will also be installed to strengthen network capacity and ensure uninterrupted connectivity during the congregation.
Mann to Personally Monitor Arrangements
The Chief Minister said funds had already been allocated for road repairs and directed officials to complete all development and infrastructure-related work within the stipulated timeframe. He added that he would personally monitor the preparations to ensure timely completion.
Mann said Sri Fatehgarh Sahib was a source of inspiration not only for the Sikh community but for humanity as a whole, as devotees from across the country and abroad gather every year to pay their respects to the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji.
He said the supreme sacrifice made by the Sahibzadas at such a tender age had few parallels in world history and had inspired generations of Punjabis to stand against injustice, tyranny and oppression.
Reiterating the government's commitment, Mann said facilitating devotees visiting this sacred land was the responsibility of the state government and the administration must ensure a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for everyone.
