Mysuru: As lakhs of devotees are expected to visit Chamundi Hill during Ashada Fridays which starts from July 8, district administration has instructed concerned authorities to ensure basic facilities and the safety of devotees.

Due to frequent sighting of wild animals, the forest department has been told to ensure the safety of the devotees climbing the steps. They have also been instructed to cut the branches of the plants that have covered the steps.

Review meeting in this regard was held at Deputy Commissioner’s office recently. The authorities have also instructed transport department to provide free transport to devotees from helipad to the chamundi hill. The prasadam will be tested by health department officials and they have been told to depute doctors and para medicial staff. An ambulance will also be reserved for the devotees. Various organisations who regularly distribute prasadam on the occasion, are going all out in preparing it at various places in the city.

In view of special pujas on Ashada Friday July 8, 15, 22, 29 and Chamundeshwari Vardhanti on July 26 atop Chamundi Hill, city police have made arrangements for parking of vehicles near Lalitha Mahal Helipad. From parking lot, the devotees can make use of free bus arrangements to atop chamundi hill. The buses will be available free of cost between 2am and 10pm.