KATRA, SEPT 25: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar chaired a meeting at the Meeting Hall of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, to review arrangements for the Navratra Festival 2026, scheduled to be held from October 11 to 19.
The Divisional Commissioner reviewed the comprehensive programme of religious, cultural and entertainment activities planned during the festival and directed all concerned departments and agencies to complete preparations well in advance to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims, tourists, artists and visitors.
Detailed discussions covered security and traffic management, sanitation, water and power supply, road maintenance, illumination, decoration, fire safety and transportation.
Arrangements for the Shobha Yatra, Prabhat Pheris, All India Devotional Song Competition, cultural programmes, Bhagwat Katha, wrestling competition and Kavi Sammelan were also reviewed.
Ramesh Kumar directed the PWD to complete necessary repairs and blacktopping of roads connecting Katra before the festival, stressing safe and smooth connectivity for pilgrims.
The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited was asked to ensure uninterrupted power supply and keep additional transformers ready for emergencies.
The Jal Shakti Department was directed to maintain adequate water supply, keep sufficient water tankers available as a contingency measure and undertake urgent repairs of damaged pipelines in Katra.
The Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Katra, was directed to ensure functional street lights, conduct special cleanliness drives, install mobile toilets at designated locations and undertake regular fogging to maintain sanitation and hygiene.
The Divisional Commissioner further directed all concerned departments to ensure 24×7 availability of manpower and essential services throughout the festival and stressed close coordination among the District Administration Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Tourism Department, Police, Municipality and other stakeholders.
DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek, SSP Reasi Mukund Tibrewal and other senior officers attended the meeting.
