DC Kupwara Reviews Preparations for Navratri, Four-Day Mata Bhadrakali Yatra at Wadipora
Officials Directed to Ensure Adequate Security, Healthcare, Sanitation and Essential Services for Devotees
Rayees Jamil | Inside Kashmir
KUPWARA, OCTOBER 16: With preparations underway for the upcoming Navratri celebrations and the annual four-day yatra at Mata Bhadrakali Asthapan, Wadipora, Handwara, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Abhishek Sharma, IAS, has directed all concerned departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements for devotees well ahead of the religious occasion.
During a review meeting held on Thursday, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of coordination among departments to ensure that the celebrations and pilgrimage pass off peacefully, safely and smoothly.
The review focused on essential services, security, healthcare, sanitation and traffic management, with particular emphasis on addressing potential difficulties before the commencement of the yatra.
The DC directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted electricity and adequate supplies of clean drinking water throughout the pilgrimage. Healthcare teams, along with standby ambulances, are to be deployed to respond promptly to medical emergencies and other health-related requirements.
Sanitation arrangements also received particular attention, with directions for regular cleanliness drives at the Asthapan premises and along the yatra route to maintain hygienic conditions for visiting devotees.
Recognising the importance of crowd management during religious gatherings, the Deputy Commissioner directed police and traffic authorities to put appropriate security and surveillance measures in place. Designated parking facilities and effective traffic regulation along the Handwara–Wadipora route were also emphasised to prevent congestion and ensure convenient movement for pilgrims.
A Joint Control Room will serve as a coordination point during the four-day yatra. The DC directed its immediate activation to strengthen communication among departments, facilitate timely responses to emergencies and address concerns raised by devotees.
The emphasis on advance preparation reflects the administration's focus on ensuring that religious gatherings are supported by adequate civic facilities, public safety measures and responsive administrative arrangements.
With coordinated efforts from the district administration and the concerned departments, the objective is to provide devotees visiting Mata Bhadrakali Asthapan with a safe, orderly and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
The successful conduct of such occasions depends not only on security arrangements but also on reliable essential services, cleanliness and the readiness of officials to respond to public needs.
