District Administration Jammu is making elaborate arrangements for upcoming festival season including auspicious occasions or Navratras and Dussehra.A thorough review of the preparations being made by the line departments was held here at a meeting convened under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Rishpal Singh. The meeting was attended by SDM Jammu South, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Assistant Commissioner (G), Commissioner, General Manager SRTC, Regional Transport Officer, SDM Jammu North, Deputy Director Information, Assistant Director FCS&CA, Engineers from PHE, PDD and PWD besides senior officers from other departments and members of religious organizations.The ADC, while reviewing the arrangements, issued instructions to all the concerned departments to make elaborate arrangements well in advance to facilitate the devotees during the festivals.The ADC asked JMC authorities for holding regular information, education and communication activities to spread awareness among the stakeholders against use of single plastic and ensure cleanliness especially in and around surroundings of the temples where Navratra functions are to be held. He also asked the Mandir Trust members and officers concerned to ensure proper arrangements for the Langer and make sure that no polythene is used.Traffic Department was asked to formulate an effective traffic management plan for hassle-free movement of religious processions in and around the city and during the Navratras.
The meeting also discussed arrangements en-route for the smooth conduct of the procession particularly traffic regulation and security. The concerned department was also asked for making provision for extra transportation for the convenience of the people during the festival days.The LMD and FCS&CA department was asked to conduct regular inspections to keep check on overcharging and quality of food items including sweets, fruit and dairy products sold in the market. They were asked to keep close watch on the unfair trade practices including adulteration of food and dairy stuff.The Health department was asked to station ambulance alongwith sufficient number of doctors and para-medical staff to meet any eventuality.Similarly, the PHE authorities were directed to ensure adequate water supply besides PDD was also instructed to ensure proper lighting arrangements in addition to un-interrupted power supply to all the temples in Jammu.Tourism and Floriculture departments were asked to make special arrangements for the festivals of Navratra and Dussehra to attract the pilgrim tourists.Tehsidar Nagrota and Tehsil Bahu were nominated as Nodal officer for the Navratra festival. They were asked to coordinate with all the agencies to provide amenities to pilgrims.Taking review of the arrangements for Shobha yatras to be taken out during the festival, the ADC asked the PHE and PDD departments to make advance arrangements for barricading at the site besides availability of potable drinking water.Fire and Emergency Services Department was directed to keep fire tenders ready at the venue to meet any exigency.The main aim of organizing the Navratra and Dussehra festivals is to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Jammu region. Elaborate steps have been taken by the administration and the organizers of the festival to make the event a grand success, the meeting was informed.