Udhampur: District administration Udhampur has initiated comprehensive arrangements for Diwali – the festival of lights. A meeting was convened today here in the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai to review the action taken by different departments.
The meeting held detailed discussions to finalize the venue for sale of cracker stalls, security measures, traffic management, drinking water supply, power supply, sanitation, quality control and price check of eatables, as well as the deployment of fire tenders.
Among the key decisions, the meeting decided to constitute joint market inspection teams to monitor the rates and quality of products, particularly sweets, eatables, and fruits, during the festive season. Subash Stadium was designated as the venue for the sale of firecrackers.
The Jal Shakti and JPDCL were instructed to ensure adequate supply of drinking water and uninterrupted power supply, especially at Subash Stadium, where a large number of people are expected to gather to purchase firecrackers.
The EO Municipality was tasked with launching a sanitation drive across the town, focusing on the venue for cracker stalls and its surroundings.
Additionally, the CMO was directed to arrange necessary first aid facilities at Subash Stadium to manage any emergency.
The Fire & Emergency Department was instructed to have standby firefighting tenders available at the cracker sale venue to promptly address any incidents that may occur during the sale days.
The District and Traffic Police were asked to ensure proper traffic arrangements within the Udhampur town during the festive days.
Shopkeepers were advised to ensure sale of firecrackers only at the designated venue, Subash Stadium, and not at individual shops.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the officers present to make foolproof arrangements related to their respective departments well in advance. She also encouraged the public to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali this year. She emphasized the importance of spreading mass awareness to inspire residents to celebrate a “Green Diwali” by avoiding the use of firecrackers.
The DC asked for launching a mass sensitization program to promote the purchase of earthen lamps (diyas) made by the Self Help Groups using cow dung under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission and DUDA. She stressed the importance of celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali to protect the environment.
