March 12, 2026:
The district administration in Jammu has intensified preparations for the upcoming Navratri festival and Ram Navami celebrations, with a focus on ensuring smooth arrangements for thousands of devotees expected to visit major temples across the city.
A high-level meeting was chaired by Ansuya Jamwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu, to review the readiness of various departments ahead of the festival season. The meeting assessed security, sanitation, traffic management, power supply, drinking water availability, medical assistance, and fire safety measures at key religious sites.
Focus on Major Temples
During the review, officials discussed arrangements for prominent shrines including Bahu Fort Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, Raghunath Temple and Kol Kandoli Temple. These sites typically witness a large influx of devotees during Navratras and Ram Navami, making administrative coordination crucial.
The district administration directed concerned departments to ensure that visitors experience minimal inconvenience during the festival period.
Sanitation and Water Supply Arrangements
The Jammu Municipal Corporation has been instructed to maintain strict sanitation standards across temple areas and surrounding routes. Special night-time cleaning drives will be conducted before the festival begins, while water tanks will be installed at key locations for the convenience of pilgrims.
To supplement the arrangements, the Jal Shakti Department will deploy standby water tankers near major shrines to ensure uninterrupted availability of drinking water.
Power Supply and Lighting
Officials from Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited have been directed to maintain a stable electricity supply during the festivities. The department will also ensure that streetlights along festival routes and near temples remain fully functional, with particular attention given to illumination around Bahu Fort and other crowded areas.
Medical and Emergency Preparedness
Healthcare arrangements have also been strengthened for the festival period. The Chief Medical Officer has been asked to ensure round-the-clock medical assistance at Bahu Fort, including the availability of dedicated ambulances and emergency response teams.
These measures aim to provide immediate assistance in case of health emergencies during the large gatherings expected over the coming days.
Security and Traffic Management
Security remains a top priority for the district administration. The police department will deploy additional personnel and install metal detector gates at major temple entrances to maintain safety.
Traffic management plans have also been prepared to regulate vehicular movement, particularly along the route from Bikram Chowk to Bahu Fort. Extra parking facilities and traffic personnel will be stationed to manage congestion during peak hours.
Public transportation will also receive a boost, with e-buses operating continuously to facilitate easier travel for devotees visiting temple sites.
Coordination and Monitoring Mechanism
To ensure smooth implementation of arrangements, nodal officers have been assigned to different sectors. A Joint Control Room will be set up at the Bahu Fort Police Post involving representatives from the police, power, water and municipal departments.
Additionally, special joint flying squads will monitor market practices during the festival period to prevent overcharging and ensure the quality of food and other products sold to visitors.
The meeting was attended by Ajay Sharma, along with senior officers, representatives of religious bodies and officials from various departments.
Administration’s Message to Devotees
The district administration reiterated its commitment to providing safe and well-managed festival arrangements. Officials have urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow traffic guidelines and maintain cleanliness during the celebrations.
With coordinated planning and inter-departmental cooperation, Jammu is preparing to welcome devotees and ensure that the upcoming Navratras and Ram Navami festivities are conducted smoothly and peacefully.
