SRINAGAR AUGUST 24: To review and finalize arrangements for the upcoming festival of Raksha Bandhan, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo Monday chaired a meeting of senior Officers at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.
The festival is scheduled to be celebrated on August 28, 2026, with great religious and cultural significance.
The meeting, as per an official statement, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, Joint Commissioner SMC Nuzhat Qureshi, IAS Probationer Aakash Garg, SP Headquarters Umar Shah, SP Traffic Zaheer Abbas, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Executive Engineer KPDCL Syed Abrar, Executive Engineer PHE Aijaz Rafiq, Tehsildar South Sajad Rasool Shah, District Health Officer Dr Rubeena and other officers of concerned departments, besides representatives of the Dharmarth Trust, Shankaracharya Temple.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner conducted a detailed review of the arrangements being put in place by the line Departments for the seamless observance of the festival, including water & power supply, cleanliness & sanitation, traffic management, parking facility, medical facilities, fire safety, security and other logistical requirements.
The DC directed all concerned Departments to ensure that all essential arrangements are put in place well in advance for the devotees expected to visit the Shankaracharya Temple.
Emphasizing the importance of close inter-departmental coordination, the DC called for a coordinated approach to ensure that devotees are provided a safe, smooth and hassle-free experience throughout the celebrations.
Regarding, the traffic management, the DC directed the concerned agencies to ensure smooth vehicular movement and adequate transportation and parking facilities at designated locations. He further asked the ARTO to facilitate shuttle services from Nehru Park to Shankaracharya Temple for the convenience of devotees.
The DC stressed the need for an uninterrupted supply of electricity and drinking water at the venue to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience.
The Health Department was directed to deploy a medical team equipped with emergency medicines and first-aid facilities at the venue. The DC also instructed that an ambulance be stationed at the site to respond promptly to any medical emergency.
The SMC authorities were directed to maintain proper sanitation and cleanliness at the temple premises and along the entire pilgrimage route, both before and after the culmination of the festival.
During the meeting, the DC also sought the requirements of the Dharmarth Trust representatives and assured them of all possible support from the District Administration for the seamless conduct of Raksha Bandhan celebrations and the convenience of devotees.
The DC reiterated that all departments must remain closely coordinated and ensure timely completion of every arrangement so that the festival is celebrated seamlessly and in a grand manner
