Divisional Commissioner Reviews Preparations for Dongargarh Navratri Fair; Safety Audits, Road Repairs and Plastic-Free Drive Emphasised
Published on: September 30, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Divisional Commissioner Satyanarayan Rathore reviewed preparations for the Kwar Navratri Fair to be organised on the occasion of the Kwar Navratri festival beginning October 11 at Maa Bamleshwari Temple in Dongargarh.
At a meeting held at the Chhirpani complex in Dongargarh, the Divisional Commissioner directed officials to complete all necessary arrangements within the stipulated timeframe, with particular emphasis on the convenience and safety of devotees and pilgrims, smooth traffic management, drinking water, sanitation, lighting and parking facilities.
MLA Harshita Baghel, Collector Jitendra Yadav, Zila Panchayat CEO Durga Prasad Adhikari, along with officials from various departments and public representatives, attended the meeting.
Arrangements to Be Strengthened in View of Expected Increase in Pilgrim Footfall
Commissioner Rathore said last year’s Navratri fair was organised successfully with the cooperation of all stakeholders. He said similar coordinated efforts by the administration, police, temple trust, local bodies, public representatives and citizens would be required this year to provide better facilities to devotees.
He noted that the number of devotees and pilgrims is expected to increase this year and stressed the need to further strengthen arrangements. Special attention, he said, should be given to drinking water, cleanliness, lighting, traffic management and parking.
He also emphasised that devotees visiting Maa Bamleshwari Temple should be able to experience other tourist and religious places in Dongargarh and return safely and comfortably. He described this as a collective responsibility.
Rathore also highlighted the role of local residents in Dongargarh’s development and urged them to participate in improving tourism and other facilities. He said the administration would provide necessary support. He also noted that the temple trust is operating a hospital for the development of better healthcare facilities in Dongargarh.
Road Repairs, Lighting and Pilgrim Facilities Underway
Collector Jitendra Yadav briefed the meeting on preparations being undertaken department-wise. He said work was underway on road repairs, lighting, pandals, traffic management and parking arrangements for the convenience of devotees.
Necessary improvements related to the National Highway are also being undertaken to facilitate smoother traffic movement. Repairs and other essential facilities are being arranged along routes used by pilgrims travelling on foot.
Pandal and other necessary facilities will also be provided on routes used by devotees arriving from Maharashtra and other directions.
The Collector directed the temple trust to ensure fitness certificates for the ropeway, along with certificates confirming the required daily maintenance and repair work. If necessary during an emergency, arrangements will also be made for ropeway operation at night to provide immediate assistance to devotees.
ALSO READ-
- Seva Sankalp Campaign: Ravi Sinha Says Every Eligible Woman Must Benefit from Welfare Schemes
- Kwar Navratri Fair: Devotee Safety and Convenience Top Priority, Says Divisional Commissioner Satyanarayan Rathore
- Rajnandgaon Road Construction Faces Allegations of Irregularities; Bharat Verma Seeks Probe
- Bharat Vikas Parishad Rajnandgaon Office-Bearers Take Charge for 2026–28
- PM Surya Ghar Scheme Brings Relief and Savings to Housilal Sahu’s Family
Safety Audit of Shops Ordered
Collector Yadav directed officials to conduct a safety audit of electrical and other safety arrangements at shops during the fair.
He also appealed to traders and citizens to actively support the campaign to keep Dongargarh plastic-free. He said the goal of making Dongargarh plastic-free in a phased manner could be achieved through the participation of local residents and traders.
To improve parking arrangements, the SDM and DSP were directed to hold discussions with the temple trust, public representatives and other concerned stakeholders and ensure the necessary arrangements.
Railway Station Facilities and Waterlogging Issue to Be Addressed
The meeting also discussed arrangements for devotees at the railway station, including coordination with RPF and railway personnel.
Officials were also asked to coordinate with the concerned authorities to address the issue of waterlogging beneath the railway bridge.
The Collector informed the meeting that correspondence was being undertaken with the railway authorities for necessary cooperation for the Kalash Yatra to be organised during Navratri.
First-Aid Facilities to Be Available Along Major Routes
Keeping the health of devotees in mind, arrangements will be made with the participation of private organisations to provide first aid and necessary medical supplies along major routes.
Medical materials will also be made available for pilgrims requiring assistance for conditions such as blisters on their feet.
Collector Yadav appealed to all departments, organisations, the temple trust, public representatives and citizens to treat the fair as an opportunity for service and work with full responsibility and coordination.
He said providing a better experience to devotees arriving from distant places was a collective responsibility.
Suggestions were also sought from public representatives, temple trust members and concerned officials during the meeting.
Officials and Representatives Present
Those present included Raman Dongre, President of Dongargarh Municipal Council; Additional Collector C.L. Markandey; Dongargarh SDM Akshay Doshi; police department officials; Maa Bamleshwari Trust Committee President Manoj Agrawal; Vice-President Anil Gattani; and other public representatives, officials and trust office-bearers.
