Udhampur gears up for 3-day historic Devika Baisakhi mela DC reviews arrangements UDHAMPUR, MARCH 16: The District Administration Udhampur has started preparations for the for three-day historic Devika Baisakhi Mela, commencing from April 14, 2026. To ensure smooth and successful conduct of the event a meeting of district officers and prominent citizens was held today under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Minga Sherpa here at Conference Hall DC Office Complex. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh; Assistant Commissioner Revenue Dr. Umesh Shan; Additional SP Sandeep Bhat; GM DIC Kishore Singh Katoch; officers from line departments, besides representatives from Beopar Mandal and civil society. The meeting held detailed deliberations on arrangements related to security, safe drinking water, power supply, sanitation, traffic management and first-aid services to facilitate the devotees and visitors expected to turn up in large numbers at the mela. The PHE and Civic authorities were asked to make adequate arrangements for drinking water and oversee sanitation and cleanliness. Chief Medical Officer was directed to deploy a team of doctors along with an ambulance to provide prompt healthcare services to visitors. Similarly, the Executive Engineer PDD was instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, while the Police Department would make necessary security and traffic arrangements at the mela venue. Other matters, including the finalization of cultural programmes, establishment of a control room, deployment of magistrates and medical teams and availability of fire tenders were also discussed at the meeting.

District-level floriculture event held at Udhampur under CSS–MIDH UDHAMPUR, MARCH 16: Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Udhampur today organized a District-Level event under CSS-MIDH at Udhampur. Deputy Commissioner, Minga Sherpa graced the occasion as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the programme. The event was organized under the guidance of Director Floriculture Vivek Modi, with the objective of promoting commercial floriculture, enhancing environmental beautification and empowering farmers through sustainable livelihood opportunities. The event was attended by Joint Director Floriculture Vikrant Sharma, Deputy Director Floriculture Sunil Singh, Assistant Floriculture Officer Pawan Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head KVK Reasi Dr. Banarasi Lal, Scientist Dr. Sanjay Koushal, Chief Horticulture Officer, District Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, besides other officers and officials of Agriculture and allied departments. More than 300 farmers and stakeholders associated with floriculture and allied sectors participated enthusiastically in the programme. On the occasion, the DC inspected various stalls showcasing floriculture products, innovative cultivation techniques and government initiatives of Agriculture and allied departments. He also interacted with participating farmers and exhibitors and appreciated their efforts in adopting modern agricultural practices. While addressing the gathering, the DC emphasized the importance of such programmes in creating awareness among the public about various government schemes related to floriculture, agriculture and allied sectors. He highlighted that commercial floriculture holds immense potential to enhance farmers’ income while contributing to environmental beautification and sustainable development. Meanwhile, Assistant Floriculture Officer briefed the farmers about various Centrally Sponsored schemes available under the floriculture sector. Joint Director Floriculture Vikrant Sharma assured the farming community of every possible support from the department to promote floriculture activities in the district. Later, the chief guest distributed appreciation certificates to progressive farmers in recognition of their dedication and achievements in the field of floriculture.