Saturday, November 24, 2012

Lili Parikrama to be held under shadow of water scarcity

22-11-2012
Lili Parikrama to be held under shadow of water scarcity
Times of India
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-22/rajkot/35301675_1_lili-parikrama-scarcity-parikrama-route

This year the annual Lili Parikrama of Mount Girnar will be held under the shadow of water scarcity. Unlike previous years, when the Girnar mountain turns lush green at the time of the parikrama after the monsoon, water is a major issue being tackled by Junagadh district administration this time around.

Officials said that 30 special water supply points have been set up on the parikrama route to meet the drinking requirements of the devotees, who will be walking the 36-km stretch. While the parikrama is formally scheduled to begin on November 24, almost 20,000 devotees have already undertaken the religious journey. "Earlier, we used to set up only 17 water supply points but this year we have increased their number. All the necessary arrangements have been made by the district collectorate, police, forest department, health and water supplies department and other voluntary organizations to ensure smooth conduct of the five-day event," said an official.

Many voluntary organizations have also come forward to ensure an uninterrupted food supply at regular intervals and have started annakshetra (free food) services. Every year around 10 lakh people from various parts of the state and the neighbourhood undertake the parikrama. This time, it will start on Saturday from Girnar Taleti and the participants will walk through Jinabava Madhi, Sarkadiya, Malvela and Bordevi before returning to the starting point on the fifth day.

Police officials said that CCTV cameras have been installed on the route as a security measure. Junagadh Municipal Corporation will be installing street lights and ensure cleanliness on the parikrama route. The state transport department has decided to run an additional 150 busesfrom various parts to Junagadh.

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