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Aluva gears up for Sivaratri celebrations

Unlike in the previous years, plastic carry-bags will be completely controlled this time.

Kochi: Thousands of people will converge on the sand banks at Aluva where the Maha Sivaratri celebrations will begin on March 4.

The Aluva municipality and the district administration have made elaborate arrangements for the devotees coming to attend the Sivaratri festival and for the balitharpanam rituals for ancestors during the days.

In association with the district administration and the Suchitwa Mission, the authorities have taken measures to ensure that the festival is organised in compliance with the green protocol.

Unlike in the previous years, plastic carry-bags will be completely controlled this time.

As part of Sivaratri, the municipality has organised a month-long trade festival and a week-long live performance of the flood-affected artists. Besides, the fishermen and people who were involved in the rescue operations will be felicitated.

The municipal authorities said that 50 electric posts that were damaged in the August floods will be replaced and 100 new LED lights will be installed before the festival. Over '35 lakh has been allotted for the lighting arrangements done by the KSEB.

About 1,500 police personnel would provide security cover to the rituals and celebrations.

Two police watch towers will be functioning 24x7 and CCTV cameras will be placed in selected areas. The fire and rescue personnel and a fire engine will be deployed at the Priayadarshini town hall to prevent fire mishaps.

The municipality has taken an insurance coverage of '1.5 crore for devotees who come to the Manappuram.

Arrangements have been made for the distribution of ginger coffee to devotees.

Rescue teams from the police and Navy along with support facilities such as boats and life jackets would be made available on the river banks.

Meanwhile, the municipality has asked the excise department to observe dry day on Sivaratri. No sale of liquor will be allowed in the town.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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