Walk for holy dip

Rajahmundry, July 12: Pilgrims, who wish to take a holy dip in Godavari River during the Pushkaralu, have to walk for about half kilometre. This is because of the government's decision to not to allow vehicles near to pushkar ghats. All the vehicles will be stopped 600 metres away from the ghats. The distance may increase based on the rush. Wheel-chairs were arranged for those who cannot walk. About 262 pushkar ghats were constructed in both East and West Godavari districts. There are 16 ghats in and around Rajahmundry. Officials estimate that about 25 lakh devotees can take the holy dip per day. Devotees, after reaching Rajahmundry, should compulsorily use the government-free buses to reach the pushkar ghats. Private vehicles will be allowed till parking areas only. About 300 free buses will ply between bus stands, railway stations and other major points in the city to pushkar ghats. The officials were facing problem in maintaining minimum water storage in the ghats on the lower side of the barrage. Water storage at these ghats was not possible. Hence, the officials are making arrangements so that devotees can take holy bath through shower systems in case of water problems.