Manimahesh Yatra begins in Himachal

Shimla: Adequate arrangements had been made for Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district in Himachal by the District Administration which had commenced from 13th August and would last upto 27th August,2009. About one lakh pilgrims had gone to Manimahesh in last three days according to Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chamba, Shri Deva Singh Negi.
He said that 100 labourers had been engaged this year to put the path in order and foot-path had been restored one month before of Manimahesh pilgrimage. 150 toilets had also been constructed enroute Manimahesh to Bharmour as compared to 45 constructed last year. As many as 105 tents had been installed for pilgrims from Hadsar to Manimahesh which is much higher than the last year so that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience.
Mela zone from Durgathi to Manimahesh had been divided in seven sectors and eight Medical Camps equipped with equipments and medicines had been installed enroute. He told that at Dhanchho, Gaurikund and Manimahesh Dal Lake arrangements for fuelwood had been made to facilitate the pilgrims and generators had been installed at all camps for lighting purpose. Arrangements of drinking water had been made throughout the route by installing 70 taps. Material providing information of the route and climatic conditions and arrangements made by the Administration had been printed and being made available to the tourists.
He said that rates for hiring mules and porters had been fixed by the administration so that the pilgrims are not cheated. Five rescue teams had been set up and each team had eight members.
Deva Singh Negi said that two quarantine camps one at Harsar and another at Dhanchho had been set up during the pilgrimage and added that 325 security persons had been deployed to look after the law and order and traffic during the pilgrimage. Round the clock Control Room is functioning and its Telephone No. is 01895-225027. This year due to early ASHTAMI the flow of pilgrimage is much higher than the last year.