Jammu, November 21 (Scoop News) -Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today inaugurated the departmental stalls at the weeklong Jhiri Mela at village Shama Chack nere here. The Minister reviewed the arrangements made by the district administration for the smooth conduct of this famous Mela which is expected to witness huge rush of devotees from across the country.
The Jhiri Mela being held every year in memory of farmer and great saint of ancient times Baba Jitto, who alongwith his daughter Bua Kauri sacrificed their lives for fighting the justice against the feudal system. More than 5 lakh people from different parts of the country visit the ne to pay obeisance and seek blessings of Baba Jitto.
Congratulating the Management Committee of Jhiri Mela and administration for making excellent arrangements in the Mela, the Minister asked the officers to maintain close coordination between the Management Committee and different agencies associated with the Mela to ensure success of this annual event. He gave thrust for ensuring availability of un-interrupted power, water supply and adequate stock of medicines and other essentials at the Mela site. He also asked for ensuring proper sanitation in the Mela.
The Minister took round of all the stalls displayed by different departments for the facilities of the people and directed the officers of agriculture, horticulture and floriculture to educate the people about various government schemes and incentives so that people could avail the benefits. He appreciated the stalls of agriculture, horticulture, Drug Control Organization and rural development for their proper upkeep and presentation.
The Minister said that Government would further upgrade the facilities for the visitors in the Mela, adding that efforts are being made to bring this revered place on the tourist map. The Government has already announced certain measures for the beautification of Jhiri and its surrounding areas to attract the tourists. The Minister announced construction of a floriculture park at the Mela site for the facilities of people. He asked the Management Committee to identify the land for the purpose so that the work could be started at the earliest, Sham maintained.
Sharma also paid obeisance at the ne and paid floral tributes to Baba Ji and Bua Kauri.
The Minister also witnessed the wrestling competition which was organized by the Managing Committee on the occasion. He distributed prizes among the wrestlers. He also gave away mementoes to different departments whose stalls were adjudged best.
MLA Marh, Ch. Sukhnandan Kumar also spoke on the occasion and demanded upgradation of facilities for the devotees at the Mela site and bringing the Jhiri village on the tourist map. He also demanded shifting of Degree College from Ploura to Raipur-Domana-Marh area, adding that the college has been sanctioned for this area but functioning at Ploura.
Deputy Commissioner, Jammu Sanjeev Verma, Director Horticulture, Jia Lal Sharma, Director Family Welfare, Dr. Rakesh Khajuria, Director Floriculture, K.K. Sharma, Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organization, Satish Gupta and sectoral officers of different departments were present on the occasion.
Later, the Minister visited village Baswa in Akhnoor and addressed a largely attended public meeting. He reiterated the resolve of the coalition Government to ensure better facilities to the people, especially of rural and far-flung areas. He said that during the past two years, a massive development has taken place in all sectors and people are acknowledging the facts. He sought greater participation of people in the developmental activities.