Shimla, Sept. 1 -- The Himachal Pradesh government was urged in the Assembly on Tuesday to begin preparations for the annual Manimahesh Yatra well in advance to prevent difficulties for pilgrims and ensure better arrangements during the pilgrimage.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, BJP MLA Janak Raj said preparations for the pilgrimage should begin early so that roads damaged during the monsoon and other logistical arrangements could be addressed before the yatra begins.

The MLA said pilgrims have faced considerable difficulties in previous years due to damaged roads and inadequate arrangements, with monsoon-related damage often disrupting the pilgrimage.

He also raised concerns over the financial burden on pilgrims, pointing out tha...