Kishtwar Prepares for Grand Ram Navmi Celebrations: Comprehensive Arrangements Finalized by Deputy Commissioner

Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir – April 4, 2025 – With the auspicious occasion of Ram Navmi fast approaching, the Kishtwar district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Shavan, JKAS, has proactively finalized all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually enriching festival experience for devotees. A high-level meeting was convened today with key officers from various line departments to meticulously review and address every aspect of the upcoming Ram Navmi celebrations in Kishtwar.

During the crucial meeting, representatives from the esteemed Sanatan Dharma Sabha actively participated, offering valuable suggestions and insights pertaining to essential festival preparations. Key areas of discussion included maintaining optimal sanitation, ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply, consistent water supply, efficient traffic management, and the adequate availability of essential ration supplies for the festive period.

Emphasis on Cleanliness and Hygiene for Ram Navmi

Recognizing the paramount importance of cleanliness and hygiene during the significant Ram Navmi festival, the Deputy Commissioner issued strong directives to the concerned departments. Specific instructions were given to ensure thorough lime lining at all prominent festive venues, particularly in and around the various temples in Kishtwar. Furthermore, the DC emphasized the need to actively promote and maintain robust sanitation efforts throughout the festival duration. To ensure on-the-ground readiness, officials have been instructed to personally visit temples across the district to assess the current situation and guarantee all necessary preparations are in place for the influx of devotees celebrating Ram Navmi.

Robust Security Measures for Devotee Safety

Ensuring the safety and security of all devotees is a top priority. The Deputy Commissioner urged the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar, Javed Iqbal-JKPS, to implement comprehensive security arrangements at all temples throughout the district. This proactive measure aims to provide a secure environment for everyone participating in the Ram Navmi festivities.

Seamless Interdepartmental Coordination for Festival Success

The meeting underscored the critical need for seamless interdepartmental coordination to facilitate the smooth and successful celebration of the Ram Navmi festival in Kishtwar. The DC specifically directed the Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Power Development Department (PDD) to take all necessary measures to guarantee an uninterrupted water supply and a reliable electricity supply throughout the festive period. The Executive Engineer (ExEn) of PDD was further tasked with ensuring proper and adequate lighting arrangements at key locations, in addition to maintaining consistent power.

Monitoring Essential Supplies and Health Provisions

To safeguard the interests of the public, Tehsildar Kishtwar, Nirbhay Sharma, received clear instructions to rigorously monitor the rates and quality of food items being sold during the festival. Regular market checks will be conducted to prevent any unfair practices. The Health Department has been directed to make comprehensive provisions for medical facilities, including the strategic deployment of medical staff, to effectively handle any potential emergency situations that may arise during the Ram Navmi celebrations.

Comprehensive Traffic Management and Safety Measures

The meeting also involved detailed discussions regarding the implementation of foolproof traffic management plans to handle the anticipated increase in vehicular movement during festive processions. Arrangements for stage settings and other crucial safety measures were also thoroughly reviewed. Relevant directions were issued to all concerned authorities to ensure comprehensive preparedness in all these critical areas, contributing to a safe and organized Ram Navmi celebration in Kishtwar.

The collaborative meeting witnessed the presence of several senior officials, including SSP Kishtwar Javed Iqbal-JKPS, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal, Project Officer ICDS/Chief Executive Officer Kishtwar Development Authority (PO ICDS/CEO KDA) Kishtwar Rishi Kumar Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Kishtwar Idrees Lone, Assistant Director Food (AD Food) Shafqat Keen, Assistant Director Fire & Emergency, Executive Officer Municipality/Deputy Registrar Cooperative Kishtwar Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, Tehsildar Kishtwar Nirbhay Sharma, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Kishtwar Tasleem Wani, Executive Engineers from Public Works Department (PWD) and Jal Shakti