Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed officials to give a grand, divine and attractive outlook to the State-Level Kapal Mochan Mela, to be organised at Bilaspur in Yamunanagar district. He said that lakhs of devotees visiting the fair should be provided with a spiritual atmosphere along with better facilities so that they do not face any inconvenience. He said that this historic fair is a symbol of the state’s rich religious, cultural and spiritual heritage. All preparations should be completed in a time-bound manner, keeping in view its dignity and historical significance.
The Chief Minister was chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review the preparations for the State-Level Kapal Mochan Mela. He said that the five-day fair, scheduled to be held from November 20 to 24 over an area of approximately 122 acres at Bilaspur, should accord the highest priority to the convenience, safety, cleanliness and smooth movement of devotees.
Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Yashpal Yadav, OSD to the Chief Minister B.B. Bharti, Director of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Dr. Aditya Dahiya, Yamunanagar Deputy Commissioner Preeti, Additional Director of the Department Sh. Vivek Kalia and Yamunanagar Additional Deputy Commissioner Naveen Ahuja, along with other senior officers, were present at the meeting.
*Glorious heritage of Sikh Gurus and public welfare schemes to be showcased at fair*
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that a grand and attractive exhibition should be organised at the Kapal Mochan Mela, showcasing the glorious history, life philosophy, teachings and contribution of all ten Sikh Gurus to society through photographs and visual displays. Information about various development and public welfare schemes of the Central and State Governments should also be disseminated to the public.
He said that the historical significance of the Shaheedi Smarak (Martyrs’ Memorial), constructed in Ambala in memory of the First War of Independence of 1857, should also be prominently highlighted in the exhibition so that devotees can learn about the sacrifices and struggles of the country’s great freedom fighters. In addition, short films highlighting the state’s development journey and various public welfare schemes should be screened through LED displays.
The Chief Minister said that distinguished guests from the Central and State Governments would also visit the exhibition. He informed that the state-level birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, would also be celebrated at Bilaspur on November 24 under the Sant-Mahapurush Samman Evam Vichar Prachar Yojana.
*Drone and light and sound shows to be major attractions*
The Chief Minister directed officials to make special arrangements to provide devotees visiting the fair with a memorable spiritual and cultural experience. On this occasion, a grand drone show and a light and sound show based on the life, teachings and message of humanity of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji should be organised.
He said that attractive and grand welcome gates should be erected at all major entry points to the fair. These gates should be named after Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and other great saints and eminent personalities. The sacred hymns of Gurbani should resonate at the welcome gates and throughout the fairgrounds, creating a spiritual atmosphere for devotees.
*Adequate arrangements for accommodation, clean drinking water and toilets*
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that comprehensive arrangements should be made to ensure the convenience of devotees visiting the fair. Proper facilities for community kitchens (langars), accommodation, clean drinking water and adequate separate toilets for men and women should be ensured.
He directed officials to pay special attention to cleanliness across the fairgrounds and install a sufficient number of dustbins at designated locations. The sanitation arrangements should be such that no garbage or litter is visible anywhere in the fair premises.
The Chief Minister said that special arrangements should also be made for displaying and selling indigenous products prepared by Self-Help Groups at the fair. This would provide devotees with an opportunity to explore local and indigenous products. In addition, LED screens should be installed at various locations so that devotees can enjoy the major programmes being organised during the fair.
*Kapal Mochan Mela holds special religious and mythological significance*
The Chief Minister said that the historic Kapal Mochan Mela, organised on the occasion of Kartik Purnima and the Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is an important centre of faith, devotion and spiritual traditions. Every year, lakhs of devotees from Haryana as well as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and other states visit the fair.
He said that Kapal Mochan Tirth holds special mythological significance. The Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Rin Mochan and Shri Suraj Kund Sarovars located here are important centres of deep faith for devotees. Pilgrims take a holy dip in these sacred water bodies. He directed officials to undertake necessary repairs and cleaning of these sarovars and ensure an adequate supply of clean water for bathing.
*Roads leading to the fair to be repaired; surveillance through adequate lighting and CCTV cameras*
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini directed officials to complete the necessary repair work on all roads leading to the fair well in advance. Adequate lighting should be ensured along all major routes, and CCTV cameras should be installed at important locations from the security point of view. He said that proper transportation and traffic management arrangements should also be ensured for devotees arriving at the fair from adjoining states.
Adequate parking facilities for vehicles should be provided in every sector of the fairgrounds, and effective arrangements should be made to ensure smooth traffic movement.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure the maintenance and necessary repairs of the historic museum. He said that adequate medical facilities should be made available during the fair so that devotees can receive immediate medical assistance whenever required.
The Chief Minister directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and finalise every arrangement related to the fair well in advance. He said that keeping in view the historical legacy, religious significance and cultural importance of the State-Level Kapal Mochan Mela, the event should be organised on a grand scale and in a well-planned manner so that devotees arriving from different parts of the country return with a pleasant and memorable experience.
*Haryana Raises Solar Subsidy Limit for Shrimp Farmers from 10 KW to 30 KW- Shyam Singh Rana*
*White shrimp farmers to receive 60 percent subsidy on solar power systems*
*Integrated Aqua Parks in Sirsa and Bhiwani to provide advanced training, quality seed and scientific support*
*Shrimp farming emerging as a profitable alternative for farmers in saline-affected areas*
In a major initiative aimed at promoting aquaculture and enhancing farmers’ income, the Haryana Government has increased the capacity limit for subsidised solar power systems used in shrimp farming from 10 kilowatts (KW) to 30 KW. The move is expected to substantially reduce energy costs and improve the profitability of shrimp cultivation across the state.
Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Fisheries Minister Shyam Singh Rana said the decision had been taken keeping in view the high electricity and generator expenses incurred by shrimp farmers. By facilitating greater adoption of solar energy, the government aims to make shrimp farming more economical, sustainable and financially rewarding.
Sharing details of the revised assistance, the Minister said that under the state’s Intensive Fisheries Development Programme for the financial year 2025-26, the project cost for solar power systems used in white shrimp farming has been fixed at Rs 50,000 per KW, with a maximum eligible project cost of Rs 15 lakh for a 30 KW system. Farmers will receive a subsidy of 60 percent of the eligible project cost.
He said the enhanced assistance would help shrimp farmers significantly reduce their dependence on conventional electricity and diesel generators. Lower energy expenditure would translate into reduced production costs and improved net returns, making shrimp farming a more viable livelihood option.
*Integrated Aqua Parks to Strengthen Aquaculture Infrastructure*
Highlighting the state government’s efforts to modernise the fisheries sector, Shyam Singh Rana said Integrated Aqua Parks, functioning as Centres of Excellence, are being developed in Sirsa and Bhiwani districts to provide farmers with access to advanced aquaculture technologies and specialised support services.
Civil construction work on the Centre of Excellence in Bhiwani has already commenced, and the facility is expected to become fully operational by June 2028.
Similarly, the process of establishing an Integrated Aqua Park at Poharka village in Sirsa district has formally begun under the Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
The Minister said these facilities would serve as comprehensive resource centres where farmers and fish growers could access practical training in modern fish and shrimp farming, improved-quality seed and scientific guidance under one roof. The initiative is intended to encourage technology-driven aquaculture and enable farmers to adopt more productive farming practices.
*Shrimp Farming Opens New Income Opportunities in Saline-Affected Areas*
Shyam Singh Rana said the Haryana Government was taking sustained measures to diversify agricultural activities and create additional income opportunities for farmers. While traditional wheat and paddy cultivation would continue to play an important role, the government was encouraging farmers to explore high-value allied activities such as fisheries and shrimp farming.
He particularly highlighted the growing potential of white shrimp cultivation in areas affected by soil and water salinity, where conventional agriculture often faces limitations. White shrimp farming is emerging as a promising source of income for farmers, particularly in saline-affected regions. By reducing input costs and providing access to modern technology, we aim to help farmers realise better returns from their resources, the Minister said.
Shyam Singh Rana further said that strengthening the rural economy and creating self-employment opportunities for young people in agriculture and allied sectors remained key priorities of the state government.
He added that the combination of enhanced solar subsidies, modern aquaculture infrastructure and scientific support would help farmers diversify their income sources while promoting sustainable growth in Haryana’s fisheries sector.
