SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday reviewed preparations for the upcoming first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJ and K), directing departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements, robust security and close coordination for the smooth conduct of the event.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Garg asked all concerned departments to execute their assigned responsibilities efficiently and ensure there were no gaps in preparations.
He directed designated Nodal Officers to remain stationed at their respective venues and maintain close coordination with stakeholders to facilitate the prompt resolution of issues.
The Divisional Commissioner stressed comprehensive venue management, proper sequencing of events and detailed crowd-management plans at SKICC and INOX. He also reviewed preparations for night screenings, floating cinema, the gala dinner and other proposed activities.
The meeting was informed that films from 40 countries will be screened during the festival, highlighting its international character and significance.
Garg directed the Tourism Department to finalise brochures and audio-visual material showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism potential for promotion during the festival. The Handicrafts and Handloom Department was asked to prepare information material for guests and participants regarding stalls, crafts and artisans.
The Higher Education Department was directed to establish dedicated registration desks for participating students, while the RTO Kashmir was asked to sensitise hired drivers about the festival schedule, sightseeing and tour packages, and timely participation in scheduled programmes.
The Divisional Commissioner also called for effective micro-traffic management and robust security arrangements while ensuring minimum inconvenience to guests, participants, filmmakers and the general public.
Concerned agencies were further directed to make comprehensive arrangements at the airport and establish selfie points at the SKICC back lawns and INOX premises.
For inter-departmental coordination, the Director Information was asked to ensure close coordination among all stakeholders, while the Joint Director Information Kashmir was designated to remain stationed at SKICC as the single-point Nodal Officer for coordination and communication.
Garg also directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive dry run before the festival to identify and address any shortcomings, stressing the need for seamless communication among all stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Information, Heads of Departments and designated Nodal Officers.
Later, the Divisional Commissioner, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Vice Chairman LCMA, Director Information and other officials, inspected Dal Lake in a motorboat to assess the ongoing cleaning work aimed at improving its aesthetic presentation and enhancing its appeal for visiting filmmakers.
