Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Sept 10: To discuss the arrangements pertaining to ensuing Navratra Festival at Katra, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Shantmanu, who is also chairman of Navratra Festival Organising Committee, convened a meeting of senior officers and members of Navratra Festival Celebration Committee at Katra.
Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Director Tourism Soujanya Sharma, DIG Udhampur-Reasi, Garib Das, Joint Director Information, Jammu, Smita Sethi, Chief Account Officer SMVDSB, Neeraj Gupta, Assistant CEO SMVDSB, Anil Sharma, senior officers of different departments besides members of Navratra Festival Celebration Committee attended the meeting.
Discussing arrangements to be made by Tourism Department and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for the upcoming religious event, the Divisional Commissioner was apprised of the activities to be organized during the festival besides other preparations being made for smooth conduct of the Navratra Festival commencing on October 5.
Stressing the need to make the event a great attraction for the people, Shantmanu asked the officers to work out impressive programmes within the available resources to ensure maximum public participation.
The meeting also discussed security and other arrangements being made for the convenience of the public.
Giving detail of the events scheduled to be held during Navratra days, Director Tourism, Jammu apprised that the main programmes included cultural procession, All India Devotional Song Contest, Cultural programme by song and Drama Division and School children, Bhagwat Katha, Wrestling Competition, photo exhibition of tourist destinations, heritage walk, inter school competition, Hassya Vayang event and illumination of Shiv Khori Shrine.
Earlier, Divisional Commissioner along with Deputy Commissioner Reasi distributed relief to 23 families affected due to recent flash floods and heavy rains in the district. Relief at the rate of Rs 15000 in case of fully damaged houses and Rs 1900 in case of partially damaged houses was handed over through account payee cheques.
The DC informed that camps are being organised in all parts of district and process will be completed this week. So far district administration has released more than Rs 25 lakh in various areas as relief for damaged houses, cattle sheds and other private property.
Shantmanu lauded the speedy relief distribution in the district and completion of camps in a week’s time.
The function was attended by ADC Rajinder Singh, SP, Tehsildar and other officers.
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