Officials directed to ensure clean temples, medical aid, parking and uninterrupted essential services from October 11–19
Shimla, October 7
With large crowds expected at temples and religious sites during Navratri, Commissioner (Temples) and Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap has directed officials to put in place foolproof arrangements for the safety and convenience of devotees, tourists and the general public.
Navratri will be observed from October 11 to 19, followed by Dussehra on October 20. In view of the anticipated rush, authorities have been asked to strengthen security and crowd-management measures at major temples and other sensitive locations.Adequate police personnel will be deployed at temples and crowded areas, while CCTV cameras will be installed at vulnerable points to keep a close watch on crowd movement and security. Separate entry and exit routes have been planned, with rapid response teams and medical teams kept ready to deal with emergencies.
Cleanliness has also been made a priority. Officials have been directed to ensure regular cleaning of temple premises and surrounding areas, besides making arrangements for temporary toilets, drinking water and dustbins. Local bodies have been asked to maintain sanitation around religious sites throughout the festival.Health authorities have been asked to establish first-aid facilities and ensure ambulance services near temples. Coordination with the Health Department has also been stressed to facilitate immediate medical assistance in case of emergencies.
For traffic and crowd management, officials have been instructed to prepare and implement diversion plans, identify adequate parking areas and publicise parking and route information in advance. Public announcement systems will be used to keep devotees informed about traffic routes, parking facilities and safety measures. The administration has also directed officials to ensure adequate lighting in temple complexes and on approach roads, while coordinating with electricity and water supply departments to prevent disruption of essential services. Special attention has been sought for women, children and senior citizens.
At Jakhu Temple, the escalator facility has been directed to operate in a one-way and appropriate direction to facilitate smoother movement of devotees.The Deputy Commissioner has directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to personally monitor arrangements in their respective areas and submit daily status reports throughout Navratri.The administration has called for close coordination among all concerned departments to ensure that the festival remains safe, clean and orderly, with strict compliance with the instructions issued for crowd management and public safety.
