Reasi: Additional Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar convened a comprehensive review meeting on Tuesday to assess the preparations for the 3-day Baisakhi Festival at the Holy Shrine of Dera Baba Banda Bahadur starting from April 11, 2025.
In the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on several arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, which draws thousands of devotees every year.
ADC Rakesh Kumar directed the concerned authorities to deploy adequate police personnel and implement appropriate security checks to ensure the safety and security of all visitors during the Festival.
He stressed the need for a reliable and uninterrupted supply of water and electricity during the festival days and directed the concerned departments to take adequate measures. He sought special attention on the maintenance of roads, particularly the road from Simbal Choa leading to the shrine and directed for necessary repairs well before the festival. He also instructed the traffic police to make detailed traffic arrangements including provision of parking space to ensure smooth and safe movement of vehicles.
The Municipal authorities of Reasi and Katra were asked to make necessary sanitation arrangements in and around the shrine and keep the provision of mobile toilets at the strategic points for convenience of the devotees.
The Health Department was asked to ensure the availability of medical staff, first aid kits, and ambulances at the festival site. The meeting decided to station a medical team at the shrine to deal with any medical emergencies promptly.
ADC Rakesh Kumar also called for the readiness of the Fire and Emergency Services Department to handle any potential fire hazards or emergencies that may arise during the festival. He instructed the department to keep standby necessary equipment and personnel to respond swiftly to any crisis. Tourism department was directed to take measures for wide publicity of the Mela through different means.
Chief Medical officer, XENs Jal Shakti and JPDCL, DSP (HQ), DIO(Info), EO MC Reasi, AD Tourism Katra and other concerned were present in the meeting.
