Divisional commissioner tells departments to finish Vidhan Bhavan preparations by November 19

Little time is left before the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature begins in Nagpur. Against this backdrop, Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari has directed all government departments to complete their preparations at Vidhan Bhavan before November 19. Officials and employees will begin arriving at the Vidhan Bhavan premises from that day.

The administration has stepped up preparations for the session, which is held every year. Ministers, MLAs, senior officials, government employees and media representatives will arrive in large numbers in the state's sub-capital. The influx is likely to put additional strain on Nagpur's roads, traffic arrangements, public facilities and other urban infrastructure.

Bidari reviewed the preparations at a meeting on Wednesday. She examined how ready the infrastructure is, services for citizens, security-related coordination and the responsibilities assigned to the various agencies. She also told the departments to finish their work within the set deadline so that there is no last-minute scramble.

Vehicular traffic is expected to rise considerably during the session. Bidari stressed the need for comprehensive traffic planning so that the city does not face congestion and traffic keeps moving smoothly. She said this planning was needed especially around important government offices.

The administration has also taken into account the possibility of agitations, demonstrations and marches by social organisations, employee unions and other groups during the session. Bidari directed officials to provide adequate medical facilities at protest sites and to keep health teams ready to give immediate help in an emergency. Emphasis was also laid on setting up mobile toilets at suitable locations for protesters, visitors and local residents.

The commissioner also underlined the importance of coordination among departments. She warned that the work of one agency should not obstruct the preparations of another. She said joint decisions should be taken wherever needed so that all arrangements proceed without administrative hurdles.

The police, revenue, public works, health and transport departments, as well as local self-government bodies, have been given specific responsibilities for the winter session. Their combined work will be important in handling the added administrative and civic burden while the Legislature sits in Nagpur.

Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy, Collector Kumar Ashirwad, Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar and Divisional Joint Commissioner Tushar Mathkar were among the senior officials present at the meeting.

With November 19 set as the deadline for preparations at Vidhan Bhavan, the administration is under pressure to have infrastructure, public conveniences and coordination systems ready before the first officials arrive.