The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, chaired the first ministerial meeting of the National Task Force for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and the Shri Venkateshwara Pooja 2023, yesterday afternoon, in Port Louis.
Representatives of several Governmental institutions and socio-cultural associations were also present to discuss and share their proposals to ensure the success of the religious ceremonies.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jugnauth underlined that the meeting has been scheduled to review the different responsibilities of the different Ministries, institutions and Local Authorities. He highlighted that for the two celebrations, local Task Forces have been set up to carry out necessary infrastructural works including embellishment, dredging, resurfacing and cleaning.
Dr Husnoo listed out the numerous arrangements which would be made as regards cleaning, scavenging and lighting facilities. He said that the immersion ceremony for Ganesh Chaturthi at national level will be held at Bain des Dames, Cassis, while the National Programme will take place on 17 September at Mont Roches.
The Tourism Authority will also carry out painting at Mont Roches and on two temples.
Minister Ganoo highlighted that his Ministry will respond to all requests concerning transport. He evoked the issue of parking facilities at Palma and dwelt on the requests to enlarge the road.
Minister Ramano, for his part, underpinned that renovation works in temples are being carried out adding that bins and plastic bags will be distributed. He stated that upgrading, maintenance and general cleaning works have been carried out on 44 sites, 34 river stretches have been cleaned, as well as road sides and plots of land. The Beach Authority, he underlined, will install buoys for the security of pilgrims and the beaches will be kept clean.
During the meeting, Minister Hurreeram informed that works for the refurbishment of footpaths have already started adding that tents will also be provided. He informed that last year, 116,000 square feet of tents were provided for the Shri Venkateshwara Pooja and 200,000 square feet for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Posters of Lord Ganesh and Lord Vishnu will also be distributed, he underscored.
Minister Teeluck, for his part, underlined that the budget allocated for these two festivals have increased, with Rs 150,000 being disbursed to the Marathi Cultural Centre and Rs 150,000 to the Telegu Cultural Centre. He highlighted that requests for a cultural group as well as four artists from India are also being processed.
The representatives of the Police Force reassured that they will work according to the Operation Order made for the festivals. All the Divisions will be mobilised for the good running of the procession and the immersion. To ensure security at sea, buoys will be placed and lifesavers will be present. At rivers, lifesavers from the National Coast Guard and the Special Mobile Force will be deployed.
Dr Jagutpal underlined that medical services will be present. He called on the population to be vigilant at immersion sites and to ensure that the food distributed respect hygienic norms.
Ganesh Chaturthi festival will be celebrated at national level on 19 September 2023, while the Shri Venkateshwara Pooja will be held from 16 September to 23 October 2023 for a duration of 40 days.
