Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Sept 26: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer today visited Katra and conducted spot inspection of the venues proposed for conducting different activities during the 9-day long annual Navratra festival 2021.
He was accompanied by Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai; Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Charadeep Singh; SSP Reasi, Shailender Singh; Assistant Director Tourism, Ambika Bali; SDM Katra, Chairman Municipal Committee, presidents of hotelier association, wrestling association, and other concerned.
It was informed that the nine day festival would commence on October 7, 2021 and culminate on October 15, 2021.
The Divisional Commissioner took a round of various places including Auditorium Spiritual Growth Centre, Hotel Panchvati Continent, Fountain Chowk, Yog Ashram, Raghunath Temple, Higher Secondary School Katra, SMVDSB Stadium Katra, which have been designated as the venues for different events.
Assistant Director Tourism and Presidents of Hotel Association, prominent citizens and organisers apprised the Divisional Commissioner about the proposed activity on each location.
It was informed that devotional song program would be held at Yog Ashram besides Devi Bhagwat Katha would be held at Raghunath Temple with 50 percent capacity.
The Div Com stressed that in view of Covid pandemic all the activities should be planned according to the SOPs. He stressed on adhering to the Covid protocols while holding the festival events. He also suggested excluding activities involving large gatherings. He also emphasised on using LED screens at different locations to avoid large gatherings at a single place.
It was informed that the dangal (wrestling competition) will be held at Sports Stadium with limited audience and after conducting Covid testing of the wrestlers. The entry of the public will be allowed strictly through passes.
He also took stock of arrangements made for congregational programmes like Prabhat Pheris, Shobha Yatra, Mata ki Kahani recitation and other cultural items scheduled to be organised during the festival.
The Div Com directed the concerned officers to put in place all necessary arrangements and work in a well coordinated manner to make preparations well in advance. He stressed on effective regulation of traffic, fool proof security, maintenance of roads, streets, beautification of shops/ market, sanitation of Katra town etc.
The inaugural function of the festival would be held at Asia Chowk Katra followed by Shobha Yatra and a grand event showcasing the culture and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and India as a whole.
Representatives of Hoteliers Association assured to extend full cooperation towards facilitating tourists and guests during the festival. They also assured to maintain cleanliness besides following covid related guidelines while serving the guests.
The Divisional Commissioner also had a detailed review of beautification of the town, provision for sanitation, essential services, traffic management and emergency services.
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