KATRA: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar on Friday reviewed arrangements for the Navratra Festival 2026, scheduled to be held in Katra from October 11 to 19, and directed departments to complete all preparations well in advance.
At a meeting held at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board headquarters in Katra, officials discussed security, traffic management, sanitation, water and power supply, road maintenance, illumination, transportation and fire safety measures for the nine-day festival.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for events planned during the festival, including the Shobha Yatra, Prabhat Pheris, All India Devotional Song Competition, cultural programmes, Bhagwat Katha, wrestling competition and Kavi Sammelan.
Kumar stressed the need for coordination among departments and agencies to ensure adequate facilities for pilgrims, tourists, artists and visitors. He also directed officials to maintain cleanliness and festive decor across Katra town.
The Public Works Department was asked to complete repairs and blacktopping of roads leading to Katra before the festival begins to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims.
The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited was directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the festival and keep additional transformers ready to meet emergency requirements.
Similarly, the Jal Shakti Department was instructed to maintain regular water supply, keep water tankers available as a contingency measure and repair damaged pipelines in Katra on priority.
The Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee, Katra, was directed to ensure all streetlights remain functional, undertake special cleanliness drives, install mobile toilets at designated locations and conduct regular fogging operations.
The Divisional Commissioner also directed departments to ensure round-the-clock availability of manpower and essential services throughout the festival period to address any issues promptly.
Officials from the District Administration Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Tourism Department, Police and Municipal Committee attended the meeting. Among those present were Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma; Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya; Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek; and Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi Mukund Tibrewal.
