Pushkarams and their prominence (PART 7)

Welcome to the part 7 of Godavari Pushkaralu. As the saying goes "Health is wealth", measures should be taken for maintaining the healthy environment, surroundings and water. Diseases are water prone and there every chance of dreadful diseases being spread in such huge crowd. The previous Pushkaras have been organised well according to plans and are able to prevent the spreading of diseases.

The State Department of Health provided medical assistance to the pilgrims and prevented the outbreak of epidemics during the Pushkarams. The State Government deployed medical personnel, equipment and medicines at all 164 bathing ghats in all the seven districts from July 30 to August 10. The banks of the river were chlorinated regularly. There was a strict monitoring of food and drinking water on the lines of the model adopted at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad in 2001.

The Andhra Pradesh Government spent Rs. 172 crore and made a request to the Planning Commission for a grant of Rs. 100 crore for undertaking construction of permanent structures, bathing ghats, renovation of temples and laying of roads. The 12-day Godavari Pushkaram in Andhra Pradesh was a grand success by all accounts.

The government is spending more than 200 cores alone on health and medical assistance this year. Other Private organisations and MNCs present in the city are funding for medicines, vaccines and other important health care measures. The government hospital in Rajahmundry is being turned to a Multi Super Speciality Hospital for the convenience of the visitors who visit the city during the peak times of Pushkaras.