KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr. Devansh Yadav today chaired a meeting to review arrangements for seamless celebration of Navratra and Eid-ul-Fitr festivals across the district.

The meeting was attended by SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom, ADDC Kishtwar Ghulam Rasool, ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal, ACR Kishtwar Idrees Lone, CE KDA Rishi Kumar Sharma, MS DH Kishtwar Dr. Yudhveer Singh, Executive Engineers, and other concerned stakeholders besides representatives of Socio-religious organisations.

During the meeting, different aspects of arrangements were discussed comprehensively, including security measures, provision of safe drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, medical aid services, sanitation, availability of fire safety measures, street lighting, cleanliness, and transport management across the district.

The DC   impressed upon all concerned to ensure that no religious sites shall be used for election campaigning by any contesting candidate or by any political party while MCC is in force.

SSP Kishtwar, while speaking on the occasion, stated that in view of the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections and festivals, security has been heightened, and foolproof security arrangements have been implemented across the district. He also appealed to the people and religious heads to cooperate with Police and Civil Administration to ensure that festivals are conducted in a peaceful manner.

Heads of different departments were given directives to ensure meticulous planning and execution in their respective areas of responsibility, with a particular focus on cleanliness and security to mitigate any potential untoward incidents during the festive period. The Jal Shakti department was entrusted with ensuring a consistent supply of potable water, while the Power Development Department (PDD) was directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the festival duration.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness, the CEO Municipal Council Kishtwar and BDOs were instructed to take necessary actions, especially in and around major Shrines and prayer grounds where large congregations are expected. Civil society’s cooperation was encouraged to uphold cleanliness standards in the town.

To prevent profiteering and black marketing, the Food Safety department was directed to conduct market checks across all markets of the district to ensure essential commodities are sold at government-approved rates and meet quality standards.

The Traffic Department received instructions to deploy an adequate number of personnel in areas prone to traffic congestion, ensuring smooth traffic flow during the festivities.

The ARTO Kishtwar was directed to ensure the availability of adequate transportation facilities on all major roads of the district.

Regarding arrangements at religious sites, the DC instructed all departments and heads of Mandir committees to ensure adequate facilities are in place in and around temples.

During the meeting, representatives of religious institutions apprised the Deputy Commissioner about various issues, in response to which the DC directed concerned officers to resolve the same on priority.