KATRA, SEPTEMBER 25: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar chaired a high-level meeting at the Meeting Hall of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, on Thursday to review preparations for the upcoming Navratra Festival 2026, scheduled to be held from October 11 to 19 in Katra.
The meeting focused on ensuring comprehensive arrangements for pilgrims, tourists, artists and visitors during the nine-day festival. Religious, cultural and entertainment programmes planned for the occasion were also discussed in detail.
Security, Traffic and Civic Arrangements Reviewed
The Divisional Commissioner reviewed arrangements related to security and traffic management, sanitation, cleanliness, water and power supply, road maintenance, illumination, decoration, fire safety and transportation.
The festival programme will include Shobha Yatra, Prabhat Pheris, All India Devotional Song Competition, cultural programmes, Bhagwat Katha, wrestling competition, Kavi Sammelan and other activities.
Ramesh Kumar stressed upon all departments and agencies to maintain close coordination and complete preparations well in advance to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
Roads to be Repaired Before Festival
The PWD Department was directed to complete necessary repairs and blacktopping of roads connecting Katra before the commencement of the festival. The Divisional Commissioner emphasized that road connectivity should remain smooth and safe for pilgrims throughout the festive period.
Uninterrupted Power and Water Supply
The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) was directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the festival and keep additional transformers ready to meet any emergency requirement.
The Jal Shakti Department was asked to ensure regular and adequate water supply, keep sufficient water tankers available as a contingency measure and repair damaged water pipelines in Katra on priority.
Cleanliness, Street Lights and Sanitation
The Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Katra, was directed to ensure that all street lights remain functional and conduct special cleanliness drives across the town.
The Municipal Committee was also asked to install mobile toilets at designated locations and undertake regular fogging to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene.
The Divisional Commissioner further directed all concerned departments to ensure 24×7 availability of manpower and essential services during the festival so that any issue can be addressed promptly.
Coordination with All Stakeholders
The concerned departments were asked to work in close coordination with the District Administration Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Tourism Department, Police Department, Municipal Committee and other stakeholders for the successful conduct of Navratra Festival 2026.
The meeting was attended by 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.
JK EXPRESS TV | Katra/Reasi
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