Meerut, Oct. 27 -- Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday reviewed preparations for the upcoming Kartik Purnima fair at Garhmukteshwar in Hapur district and the Tigri fair in Amroha. The chief minister conducted an aerial survey of the fair site and held a review meeting with senior officials, directing them to ensure timely and coordinated arrangements for devotees. Yogi said the Garhmukteshwar fair, to be organized as a "Mini Kumbh" from October 30 to November 5, will symbolize devotion, discipline, and cleanliness. Every year, around 40 to 45 lakh devotees visit the Ganga ghats for holy bathing and lamp offerings during Kartik Purnima, making the event one of the largest religious gatherings in western Uttar Pradesh. Emphasizing that devotees' safety is the top priority, the CM directed deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams at all major ghats. He also instructed authorities to ensure CCTV and drone surveillance, rescue boats, helpline centers, and effective crowd control systems across the fair area. "Devotees' security and convenience should come before everything else," he said. The CM further instructed officials to maintain zero-liquid discharge in temporary toilets, ensure uninterrupted power supply, and conduct regular inspections for electrical safety. He also called for attractive decorations at the fairgrounds and display of hoardings promoting government welfare schemes. Yogi Adityanath stressed that the fair should be linked with messages of cleanliness and environmental protection. He announced a complete ban on single-use plastic, with a strong focus on waste management, bottle collection, and continuous cleaning of Ganga banks. The CM directed that chequered plates be installed on ghats, pontoon bridges tested for safety, and dredging work completed in erosion-prone areas by the Irrigation Department. He instructed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure that no additional fees are collected from devotees. He asked the Animal Husbandry Department to make arrangements for adequate fodder, hay, and drinking water for animals, as the traditional livestock fair will also be organized alongside the main event. Proper food arrangements for on-duty volunteers were also mandated. Yogi directed officials to implement an effective traffic diversion plan within a 20-25 km radius to prevent congestion and ensure smooth movement. He ordered the establishment of temporary hospitals, fire safety systems, and adequate stock of anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccines at key locations. Police and NDRF teams will also increase patrolling during bathing hours to prevent accidents. Calling Garhmukteshwar an ancient center of faith, spirituality, and cultural heritage, CM Yogi said the fair represents Uttar Pradesh's living tradition of devotion and community harmony. "Our goal is to make this fair a model of faith, order, and cleanliness, so that every visitor returns home with peace and blessings from this sacred site," he added. Earlier, the Chief Minister performed Ganga Aarti, visited Sadar Bazaar, and reviewed the newly established modha (bamboo stool) store, appreciating the craftsmanship. Garhmukteshwar holds immense religious and mythological importance. According to legends, after the Mahabharata war, Yudhishthir, Arjun, and Lord Krishna bathed in the Ganga here for the peace of their ancestors' souls. The site is also believed to be where Lord Parashuram established the Mukteshwar Mahadev shrine....