Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the 2nd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon, scheduled to be held on November 2.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner SMC, Director Tourism, Vice Chairman LCMA, ADC Srinagar, SSP Traffic, Director Health, and officers from departments including Information, KPDCL, R&B, PHE, Youth Services & Sports, and other concerned agencies.

During the meeting, Div Com emphasized ensuring comprehensive arrangements at the flag-off cum finishing spot, including electricity, sanitation, first-aid, and toilet facilities.

He directed the Director Tourism to share the detailed Marathon route plan with all concerned departments for effective coordination of responsibilities and arrangements.

The Director Tourism and SSP Traffic were instructed to arrange an adequate number of barricades for smooth traffic management on the event day.

To strengthen emergency response, the Div Com directed the Health Department to deploy a water ambulance in Dal Lake and instructed the SDRF to keep their boats ready to assist the Tourism Department in case of exigencies. He also directed the Health Department to establish a field hospital at Polo View for post-Marathon recovery of participants and to set up seventeen aid stations along the route, adequately staffed to assist runners.

Commissioner SMC was directed to beautify the Marathon route with potted flower plants in collaboration with SKUAST-K, and to ensure sanitation along the entire stretch as well as dog-catching measures for the safety of participants. 

The R&B Department was instructed to ensure a pothole-free track, while arrangements for bottled drinking water and refreshments were also reviewed.

The Div Com stressed the importance of training and sensitizing volunteers regarding their roles and responsibilities during the event.

The meeting also discussed organizing a joint medal ceremony for the Full Marathon (seven hours) and Half Marathon (three hours) at SKICC.

It also discussed arrangements for three-day exhibition showcasing local products by departments including Handicrafts & Handloom, Horticulture, and Agriculture.

To ensure real-time coordination among departments, the Div Com directed the establishment of a Command & Control Centre for the smooth and successful conduct of the event.