Lakshmisha also directed officials to keep entry and exit routes clear, regulate traffic at road junctions and prepare specific action plans for every sector.

Vijayawada:NTR district collector G. Lakshmisha has directed officials and staff deployed for the Dasara festivities at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam (Durga temple) on Indrakeeladri to discharge their duties with devotion and dedication, chanting ‘Jai Bhavani’, and ensure a hassle-free experience for devotees.

Addressing officials and staff in Vijayawada on Friday, Lakshmisha said the temple had received nearly 20 lakh devotees last year, and the number was expected to touch 25 lakh this year. He stressed the need for coordination among all departments to manage the anticipated rush and provide devotees with a safe and comfortable darshan.

Vijayawada police commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation commissioner H.M. Dhyanachandra, temple executive officer V.K. Seena Naik, additional commissioner of police K.G.V. Saritha and Vijayawada RDO Vennela Srinu attended the meeting.

The collector instructed sector in-charges and other personnel to inspect their assigned areas in advance, understand sensitive locations and emergency response plans, and report for duty before shift changes to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities. They were asked to maintain close coordination with colleagues and promptly communicate important information to the command control room.

He called for immediate action to address devotees’ grievances and special attention to the safety of senior citizens, women, pregnant women, lactating mothers, children and persons with disabilities.

Officials were told to continuously monitor electrical installations, structural safety, drinking water, food quality, sanitation, queue lines, women’s safety, child protection, lighting, signboards and safe routes for the movement of devotees. Any crowd congestion should be investigated immediately and remedial measures taken. Street vendors should be regulated in coordination with the police to prevent inconvenience to devotees.

Lakshmisha also directed officials to keep entry and exit routes clear, regulate traffic at road junctions and prepare specific action plans for every sector. They should remain accessible to devotees and publicise online information and feedback facilities. The district administration should be contacted whenever additional assistance is required.

Rajasekhar Babu said the satisfaction and safety of ordinary devotees were the highest priorities during the festivities. Every devotee should be provided with a comfortable darshan, and personnel should serve with the conviction that duty was equivalent to worship, he added.

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