Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Kumar convened a meeting to discuss arrangements for Navratra festival commencing from October 1, 2016.Deputy Commissioner directed for high level security measures to be employed at all Shrines and Yatra routes for the safety of people. He asked for installing CCTVs in and around Shrines and solar lights to ensure electricity back up.DC also directed SSP Kathua Neeva Jain to setup check points along the yatra routes and other important places.DC held detailed deliberations with officials regarding transportation, sanitation, adequate drinking water, un-interrupted power supply, medical facilities, check on quality of eatables and their rates besides security arrangements to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place to facilitate the devotees during Navratras.Health department was asked to provide duty roster for doctors alongwith their contact numbers to the Executive Magistrates and SDM’s of their respective areas.DC directed FCS&CA department to ensure proper supply of ration and conduct regular market checks in all major markets.
He further directed CEO, EO’s Municipality and Legal Metrology to ensure display rates of food items in markets and keep a vigilant eye for overcharging and ensure quality of eatables during Navratras.DC directed RTO to make transport arrangements along shrine routes, where necessary and ensure that schedules and fares for buses are displayed at all Bus Stands/Stops. Traffic department was directed to make sufficient provisions for parking of vehicles to avoid traffic congestion especially at Sukrala Mata, Jasrota Mata and other temples of the district.Municipality was asked to maintain cleanliness, install dustbins near shrines and the venue for Ramleela to avoid the spread of dengue and chikungunya.ADC Dr Bharat Bhushan, CEO Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority, ACR, SDM Basohli, Bani, Hiranagar and Billawar besides other District Officers, officers from police, traffic department and members of temples' management committees attended the meeting.