Narmada: Thousands of pilgrims had to face tough time due to shortage of boats, water, food and other facilities at Uttarvahini Narmada Parikrama in Narmada district of Central Gujarat. The Parikrama witnessed sudden rise of pilgrims from Gujarat and its neighboring States on Saturday Sunday, which resulted into chaos. The district administration had to call extra buses from the Statue of Unity. The visitors complained lack of drinking water at the Government facility, dirty toilets, overcharging by bikers, shortage of boats and number of other troubles. The footfalls of around 4 lakh pilgrims were unexpected for the administration and the District Collector had to issue an appeal to join the Parikrama only on weekdays and that too in the night to evade heat and other troubles.

Narmada District Collector Shri S.K. Modi made an appeal to the devotees and said – ‘there is an increase in the number of people joining Parikrama on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.The devotees are appealed to perform the Parikrama on the weekdays instead of public holidays. If you come during the weekdays, we can serve you and facilitate you well and your Parikrama will be completed in a pleasant, peaceful atmosphere and the administration is ready for your convenience. If you travel at night or early in the morning, there will be no question of the heat.’

The Parikrama held in the month of Chaitra in Narmada district had been going on peacefully for the last 15 days and now with 15 days left for the Parikrama, a large number of devotees are performing the Parikrama. The district administration claims that facilities are available at every ghat of the Narmada Parikrama for the devotees and facilities like light, water, sitting boats, bathing, toilets, road cleaning, parking and service centers and SDRF teams are also working. Safety and health facilities are also available through the police. People also bring small and large vehicles to perform the Parikrama. Devotees from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other states also come to perform this Parikrama.

The Chief Minister last week visited the Parikrama spot to monitor the arrangements made by the government. He had also sought feedback from pilgrims during an interaction. DeshGujarat