Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNO): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg today chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the 3rd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon, taking stock of the arrangements being made by the nodal Tourism Department and other stakeholder departments for the smooth and successful conduct of the event.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Tourism, and officers from the departments of Information, PHE, KPDCL, R&B, SMC, YSS, Health, JKTDC, Hospitality and Protocol, SSCL, SRTC, Agriculture, Sports Council, LCMA, SDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and other concerned departments.
During the meeting, it was informed that the Kashmir Marathon will be held on October 25, with a three-day Marathon Expo scheduled to be organised at Polo Ground. The event has attracted significant international participation, with 67 foreign nationals from 12 countries having registered so far.
Both the full marathon, covering 42.19 kilometres, and the half marathon, spanning 21.09 kilometres, will be conducted on the same day in the morning. To ensure the safety and well-being of participants, 17 aid stations will be established along the marathon route to provide necessary assistance.
Addressing the meeting, the Div Com directed all concerned departments to nominate nodal officers to ensure effective interdepartmental coordination and timely execution of assigned responsibilities.
Emphasising the need to enhance the visual appeal of the marathon route, he called for beautification through the placement of potted flowers. He also directed the Roads and Buildings Department to conduct a thorough inspection of the route and ensure that all potholes are filled to provide a smooth and safe running surface. The concerned authorities were further instructed to undertake the pruning of trees along the marathon loop.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining the scenic beauty of Srinagar, the Divisional Commissioner stressed the need to ensure cleanliness around Dal Lake. He also directed the deployment of volunteers at appropriate locations and the establishment of medical camps with adequate staff to address any health-related emergencies during the event.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Police was directed to publicise designated parking locations well in advance to facilitate participants and ensure the smooth regulation of vehicular movement on the day of the marathon.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited were directed to ensure the proper functioning of streetlights along the marathon route. The Sports Council was instructed to make lighting arrangements at Polo Ground for the smooth conduct of the event.
The SMC was further directed to ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation along the marathon route and at the inaugural venue.
The Divisional Commissioner emphasised that close coordination among all stakeholder departments and timely completion of preparatory measures would be essential for the successful organisation of the 3rd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon—(KNO)