VISAKHAPATNAM: With lakhs of devotees, including many children, expected to join the upcoming Simhachalam Giripradakshina on July 9, child rights advocates are urging for thorough measures regarding the safety and well-being of minors.
The Child Rights Awareness Forum has officially appealed to the Andhra Pradesh government, the Visakhapatnam district administration, and the Simhachalam Devasthanam authorities to make special provisions for children participating in the 32-kilometre route around Simhagiri.
“We expect a major turnout of children and adults from across Andhra Pradesh and surrounding states for this sacred occasion,” said Gondu Sitaram, state convener of the forum, while speaking to the media on Sunday.
The forum has sent detailed recommendations to the relevant authorities officially, specifying particular actions needed to ensure children’s rights and welfare during the religious gathering.
The forum has requested the installation of dedicated children’s toilets along the 32-kilometre path, as well as the establishment of specialised medical camps staffed with paediatric specialists. They have also called for sufficient medical supplies and ambulance services to be strategically located along the pilgrimage route.
The forum has specifically asked for separate queue lines for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers to facilitate access for darshan at the Simhagiri temple after the Giripradakshina.
Additionally, they have requested provisions for hot milk and biscuits, especially in waiting areas and queue lines, to ensure that children’s nutritional needs are addressed during the lengthy pilgrimage.
