Deekshabhoomi preparations in Nagpur have entered their final stage ahead of the Dhammachakra Pravartan Din celebrations on October 20, with authorities arranging temporary accommodation, round-the-clock drinking water, sanitation, healthcare and emergency response facilities for lakhs of devotees.
The facilities are scheduled to become operational from October 18. Temporary shelter domes, each designed to accommodate 500 devotees, are being installed as visitors are expected to arrive from across Maharashtra and other parts of the country.
Nagpur Collector Kumar Ashirwad inspected the arrangements on Friday and directed officials to address any gaps in essential services. The review covered drinking water, sanitation, accommodation, healthcare and safety, with instructions for departments to remain vigilant throughout the celebrations.
More than 1,235 separate toilets for men and women are being installed at the Industrial Training Institute premises, the deputy director of health office and the prison grounds. The arrangements are intended to serve the large gathering across the event locations and reduce pressure on existing public facilities.
A dedicated Hirakani room is also being set up for nursing mothers. The facility is part of the arrangements being made for visitors who may require specific care while attending the celebrations.
Emergency preparedness has been given a separate focus. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force are being arranged to respond to any untoward incident during the event. Firefighting facilities are also being provided at the site.
The preparations involve officials from several departments, including Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare Sukeshini Telgote, Additional Collector Pravin Mahire and Nagpur Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Milind Meshram. Officials from other departments accompanied the collector during the inspection.
The district administration has stressed coordination among the agencies responsible for the event. Collector Ashirwad directed officials to maintain vigilance and ensure that the expected influx does not inconvenience devotees, particularly in accessing drinking water, sanitation, accommodation, healthcare and other basic civic amenities.
The arrangements will become operational from October 18, two days before the Dhammachakra Pravartan Din celebrations scheduled at Deekshabhoomi on October 20.
