REASI, FEBRUARY 7: Additional Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Rakesh Kumar, today chaired a review meeting to assess the preparedness for the upcoming Mahashivratri Mela-2026, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 16, 2026 at Shiv Shakti Bhawan, Ransoo.
The meeting focused on ensuring seamless arrangements related to security, traffic management, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, health services, fire safety, cultural programmes and crowd management.
The ADC directed the Food Safety and Legal Metrology Departments to conduct market inspections, test food samples and enforce strict price control. The Tehsildar Pouni was instructed to earmark designated locations for hawkers and prevent any encroachments on roads.
The Tourism Department was directed to arrange waterproof tents, adequate lighting and sound systems and cultural programmes to ensure a well-organised and vibrant inauguration of the mela.
The Motor Vehicles Department was instructed to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles at Kanda, deploy 20 matadors for ferrying pilgrims from Kanda to Ransoo Bus Stand and ensure that no overcharging takes place during the mela period.
The Jal Shakti Department, in coordination with the Police Department, was directed to ensure uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water, deploy water tankers as required and install necessary barricading at the venue.
The ADC further directed the concerned departments to identify suitable locations for pit and mobile toilets and ensure proper sanitation arrangements throughout the mela days.
The Pollution Control Department was directed to make public announcements regarding the ban on use of polythene bags and take strict action against violators.
The ADC also reviewed arrangements for the setting up of Langer stalls and held detailed discussions on the organisation of the Dangal scheduled on February 16, 2026.
Later, the ADC inspected the Shiv Khori Shrine track, reviewed the installation of solar lights along the track, assessed cloakroom and locker room facilities and inspected the functioning of CCTV cameras at the shrine.
The meeting was attended by ACR Reasi, Nitin Verma, Tehsildar Pouni, Sahil Randhawa, BDO HQ, Manager Shri Shivkhori Shrine, District Information Officer Reasi and others.
