Modern Waiting Sheds Built at Lamni and Khudiya in Vananchal at a Cost of Rs 20 Lakhs Each, Initiative by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma
Raipur, Under the special initiative of Deputy Chief Minister and Kawardha MLA Mr. Vijay Sharma, the Panchayat Department has constructed modern waiting sheds at Lamni and Khudiya villages in the remote Vananchal region at a cost of Rs 20 lakhs each. Thousands of devotees undertaking a padyatra with sacred water from the Narmada river from Amarkantak to offer prayers and perform Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva during the month of Shravana have received great relief this year. Devotees who have been facing difficulties for years due to the lack of basic facilities like rest, drinking water, light, and cooking in the Vananchal areas will now have safe and convenient resting places.
These newly constructed waiting sheds have been developed as safe stops for devotees on the Kanwar Yatra route. Arrangements for night stay, cooking, and other essential facilities have been ensured here, making the journey of thousands of devotees safer, smoother, and more convenient than before.
Lamni: The First Safe Stop, Will Be Lit by Solar Energy
Lamni village is considered the first major stop for Kanwariyas. Until now, devotees had to spend the night in open spaces with limited resources. They faced many difficulties due to rain, darkness, and dense forests. Considering these problems, safe night stays, cooking facilities, and other essential amenities have been provided in the new waiting shed constructed near Lamni Barrier. Specifically, a solar energy-based electricity system has been installed here, which will provide adequate light during the night and ensure a safe environment for the devotees. Similarly, the waiting shed constructed at Khudiya village at a cost of Rs 20 lakhs has also become an important center of relief for Kanwariyas. Both locations will now prove useful as major resting places for devotees during the journey.
Permanent Solution to a Years-Old Problem
The route of the Kanwar Yatra passes through dense forests, hilly areas, and remote Vananchal villages. Thousands of devotees travel on foot for several days to reach the temples of Lord Shiva. For a long time, the lack of safe night stays and basic facilities on these routes has been a major problem. Taking serious note of this long-standing need of the devotees, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma ensured the construction of modern waiting sheds at Lamni and Khudiya through the Panchayat Department, providing a permanent solution to a years-old problem.
Health, Road, and Drinking Water Facilities Also Arranged on the Yatra Route
The efforts of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma are not limited to the construction of waiting sheds alone. Extensive arrangements are also being strengthened for the convenience of devotees on the Kanwar Yatra route. Health camps are being organized to treat sudden health problems during the journey. The journey is being made safer by repairing and undertaking necessary maintenance of the routes. Furthermore, adequate drinking water arrangements have been ensured at various places so that devotees do not face any inconvenience.
"The convenience of Lord Shiva's devotees is our top priority" – Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma
Deputy Chief Minister and Kawardha MLA Mr. Vijay Sharma said that the Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravana is not just a religious event but a grand festival of faith, culture, and public sentiment. He stated that providing a safe and dignified environment for the devotees of Lord Shiva is the government's top priority. With this objective, construction of waiting sheds, health camps, road repairs, drinking water, and other essential facilities are being ensured so that devotees can complete their journey with full devotion and convenience.
Kanwariyas Express Gratitude to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister
Devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra said that earlier they used to face a lot of problems during night stays in the Vananchal areas. Traveling in rain and darkness and finding a safe place to stay was extremely difficult. The new waiting sheds built at Lamni and Khudiya will now provide great relief. With facilities like night stay, cooking, and light, the journey has become much smoother and safer than before. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma for these public welfare initiatives, the devotees said that these facilities will benefit thousands of Kanwar pilgrims for years to come.