Collector Jitendra Yadav directs departments to strengthen pilgrim-route security, healthcare, drinking water, sanitation, lighting, traffic management and service-pandal facilities as Dongargarh prepares for an estimated 10 lakh devotees.
Published on: October 14, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Comprehensive arrangements are being put in place to ensure the safety, convenience and smooth darshan of devotees visiting the world-famous Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple in Dongargarh during the ongoing Kwar Navratri festival, being held from October 11 to 20, 2026.
Collector Jitendra Yadav has issued instructions to the concerned departments following a review meeting involving the police administration, railway authorities, health department, Public Health Engineering Department, Public Works Department, electricity department, urban local bodies, transport department and representatives of voluntary organisations.
The Collector emphasised that the safety and convenience of devotees must remain the highest priority and directed all departments to coordinate closely and discharge their assigned responsibilities effectively.
Around 10 Lakh Devotees Expected
According to the Collector, approximately 10 lakh devotees are expected to visit Dongargarh during the Kwar Navratri fair, with an estimated 50,000 to one lakh devotees arriving daily.
In view of the anticipated turnout, officials have been instructed to ensure adequate facilities at the temple complex, fairground, railway station, parking areas and pedestrian routes. Around 164 toilets constructed in and around the fair area must remain operational, with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Safety and Traffic Management Along Pilgrim Routes
The Collector directed officials to ensure adequate lighting, signboards, reflectors, speed breakers and barricades along the pedestrian routes from Anjora to Dongargarh.
Pilgrims arriving from the Durg side will be required to walk along the right side of the road from Anjora. A one-way arrangement for heavy vehicles has been directed through the Somni Police Station side, while the movement of heavy vehicles on the Amlihdih–Dhara Road is to remain restricted.
The police and transport departments have been instructed to deploy adequate personnel and take action against overloading, drunk driving and violations of traffic rules. Organised parking arrangements and compliance with prescribed parking charges must also be ensured at designated locations, including the fairground and Pragya Giri ground.
Medical Assistance and Safe Drinking Water
Health assistance centres at the upper, middle and lower temple areas, as well as along pedestrian routes, must be equipped with doctors, paramedical staff, essential medicines, glucose, ORS and first-aid supplies.
The Collector also directed officials to ensure the availability of ambulances and bike ambulances for emergencies, along with adequate medical facilities at Dongargarh Hospital and the District Hospital.
The Public Health Engineering Department and urban local bodies have been instructed to maintain a regular supply of safe drinking water at the fairground and service pandals. Water tankers and storage tanks must be arranged, and the quality of drinking-water sources must be tested.
Food, Rest and Sanitation at Service Pandals
Voluntary organisations operating service pandals along the pilgrim routes have been asked to provide clean drinking water, food, resting facilities, first aid and toilet facilities for devotees.
Municipal authorities and gram panchayats have been directed to ensure regular cleaning, waste collection and disposal around service pandals and nearby areas.
The Collector also stressed efforts to make Dongargarh a plastic-carry-bag-free tourist destination. Women’s self-help groups are to be encouraged to manufacture and sell cloth bags as an alternative.
CCTV Surveillance, Electricity and Railway Facilities
Officials have been instructed to install CCTV cameras at the temple complex, fairground, railway station, parking areas and other important locations. Police personnel, Home Guards and volunteers are to be deployed to strengthen security.
The electricity department must ensure uninterrupted power supply, adequate street lighting, generators and the round-the-clock availability of technical staff along the temple premises and pedestrian routes.
Railway authorities have been directed to consider arrangements for train halts and ensure adequate ticket counters, drinking water, cleanliness and security for passengers visiting Dongargarh.
Ropeway Safety and Food Quality Inspections
The Collector directed the authorities responsible for the ropeway to ensure regular repairs, maintenance and valid fitness certification for safe operations. The ropeway operating schedule has been set from 7 am to 11 pm. Priority in ticket distribution has been directed for persons with disabilities and devotees above 50 years of age.
The Food and Drug Administration and Food Department have been asked to conduct regular inspections of hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries, prasad outlets and food establishments. Action must be taken against those selling contaminated food.
The Excise Department has also been directed to prevent illegal liquor sales, while the concerned departments must inspect swings and other amusement facilities to ensure their safety.
The administration has emphasised coordinated efforts across departments to ensure that devotees can participate in the Navratri festival and seek darshan at Maa Bamleshwari Temple in a safe, orderly and comfortable environment.
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