Punjab expects lakhs of devotees to mark Shaheedi Sabha
Chandigarh, Dec 16
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said comprehensive steps have been made as lakhs of devotees are expected to arrive to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri at Fatehgarh Sahib on the occasion of Shaheedi Sabha.
The Chief Minister told the media here that in view of a large inflow of devotees, special steps have been taken regarding healthcare facilities. Twenty Aam Aadmi Clinics and five dispensaries are being set up, adding medicines and essential equipment have been arranged for these centres.
Referring to the supreme sacrifice of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, the Chief Minister said their unparalleled sacrifice hardly finds any match in human history.
He said that, though more than three centuries have passed since this martyrdom, its emotional impact is still deeply felt by the Sikh community worldwide.
CM Mann said the government would provide free transportation for devotees within the city during the Shaheedi Sabha by launching an inter-city shuttle bus service.
The Chief Minister said 200 shuttle buses and 100 e-rickshaws will ferry devotees from parking areas to Gurdwara Sahib and other locations.
He said the services of Google are being used this time for traffic management so that updated information about road traffic conditions around Fatehgarh Sahib can be available, allowing immediate alternate arrangements in case of congestion.
Speaking about security arrangements, the Chief Minister said over 3,300 police personnel will be on duty. An Integrated control centre has been established with a helpline number 0176-3232838 for the convenience of the public.
He said 300 CCTV cameras are being installed at key locations to monitor anti-social elements, and drones will also keep aerial surveillance over the city.
The Chief Minister said that to ensure smooth mobile connectivity, temporary mobile towers are being installed by telecom companies.
He said a fleet of 60 ambulances and fire-brigade vehicles will also remain stationed to handle any emergency.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see proactive planning. The 20 Aam Aadmi Clinics on standby is a crucial step given the crowds. My only suggestion: they should also ensure clean drinking water and toilet facilities are abundantly available. Last year at a similar event, that was a major issue.
The story of the younger Sahibzadas always gives me goosebumps. Their courage at such a tender age is unmatched. It's good that the state is facilitating devotees, but the real tribute is in remembering their lesson of standing firm for your principles. Jai Hind.
Comprehensive arrangements indeed. 3300 police personnel, drones, 300 CCTVs... security seems robust. The free shuttle bus and e-rickshaw service will be a big help for elderly visitors. Hope the telecom companies deliver on the mobile connectivity promise – network usually crashes in such large gatherings.
Visiting from Canada for this. It's impressive to see the level of detail in the planning. The integrated control centre with a helpline is a great initiative. Makes devotees, especially those from abroad, feel more secure. The sacrifice remembered here is a powerful story of faith.
As someone from a different faith, I have immense respect for this historical event. The government's role in managing logistics for peaceful observance is commendable. The focus on healthcare (60 ambulances) and traffic management shows they've learned from past events. Good work.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.