Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Nov 21
Jammu KK Sharma, contesting candidate from Kalyanpur panchayat today demanded more facilities for the devotees, who used to visit in large number to participate in the Jhiri Mela Addressing a press conference, KK Sharma said every year, the government collects lakhs of rupees as the revenue from the Jhiri mela, but in the name of facilities, there is nothing for the devotees who used to visit here to pay their obeisance to the Bawa Jitto. There are no toilet facilities and the bathing ghar constructed for the ladies, as the result they are forced to sit in open, which is very dangerous for the locals, as risk of spreading infection always looms over in the area, he said. Last year, the government constructed toilets under Jhiri Yatri Niwas in the area for the devotees, but now the administration under the influence of some local leaders destroyed all the toilets. Demanding an enquiry, Sharma urged upon the senior authorities to start an enquiry into this matter as these facilities are meant for the devotees and after destroying these toilets, the public money has been wasted.
In the mela, thousand of kids participated and they are openly looted by the people as there is not printed price list for charging from the kids.
He demanded more facilities for the kids, so that they can also enjoy in the mela. Sharma further said that every year senior authorities led by DC Jammu visits the area, to review the facilities for Jhiri Mela, which is directly connected with the employment generation for the 10 villages.
But the senior officials never used to consult with the locals of the area, not even they discuss with the locals regarding the facilities and arrangements for the world famous Jhiri Mela. Among others who were present during the conference included Som Dutt Khajuria, Ram Parsad Sharma, Ravil Singh Bajjo .
