Authorities in Poonch have stepped up Baisakhi festival preparations in Poonch ahead of the annual religious gathering, addressing concerns over civic facilities and infrastructure.
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK APRIL 6,2026
Local authorities in Poonch have reviewed preparations for the upcoming Baisakhi festival, as concerns over basic civic facilities were raised by shrine authorities and organisers.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik, visited the Shiromani Dera Santpura Nangali Sahib on Monday, where he met members of the shrine’s management committee to assess readiness for the annual religious gathering.
During the meeting, committee members highlighted several longstanding issues, including the need for reliable drinking water, improved sanitation, better lighting, and enhanced security arrangements. They also pointed to the poor condition of roads leading to the shrine, urging immediate repairs ahead of the festival.
Officials said the administration had assured organisers that necessary measures would be taken in time for the celebrations. Directions were issued for the deployment of water tankers, uninterrupted electricity supply, and strengthened security presence during the event.
Authorities also instructed municipal teams to maintain cleanliness in and around the shrine, while engineers were asked to repair non-functional street lights and install additional lighting where needed.
Road maintenance agencies have been tasked with repairing potholes along key routes, including the stretch from Poonch Eid Gah to Nangali Sahib, to ensure safer travel for devotees.
Health services, including ambulance support, are also expected to be deployed during the festival. In addition, government departments such as agriculture, horticulture and traditional medicine (AYUSH) are set to organise awareness and service camps.
The three-day religious gathering, scheduled from 9 to 11 April at Gurudwara Baithak Mahant Mohar Singh, is expected to draw a large number of devotees.
The meeting was attended by officers from JPDCL, PWD (R&B), Municipality, Tehsil Administration, MVD, PHE, AYUSH, Tourism Department, TSO, GREF, along with representatives of Dera Nangali Sahib including Manager Janak Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Organizer of Shri Guru Ramdas Ji Sewa Society, Anmol Singh and Kuldeep Singh the member of Dera Santpura Nangali Sahib.
While officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring smooth arrangements, the effectiveness of these measures will likely be tested during the festival, particularly in light of recurring concerns over infrastructure and public services.
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