ZIRO, SEP 8:

The Lower Subansiri district administration has stepped up preparations for the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) 2026, with a high-level coordination meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall here on Monday.

The meeting brought together senior district officials, law enforcement and emergency services personnel, along with ZFM organiser Hano Bobby, to review arrangements related to logistics, public safety, infrastructure and environmental management.

A pre-festival cleanliness drive will be conducted on September 19 along the main corridor from Pei Gate to Pinegrove, with participation from local residents and various teams.

The administration has made licensing of all food stalls and vendors mandatory. The District Medical Officer (DMO) will issue the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) on payment of a ₹200 fee, while the Trade Development Officer (TDO) will oversee registration of official campsites.

To protect Ziro’s environment, the administration has decided to strictly prohibit single-use plastics at the main festival grounds and surrounding areas.

For improved connectivity, Executive Engineers of the Rural Works Department (RWD) and Highway divisions have been directed to complete necessary road repairs along major access routes before the festival.

Fire extinguishers will be mandatory at all stalls and camping grounds, with police and fire personnel tasked with enhanced monitoring. A consolidated directory of emergency contact numbers will also be made available to the public.

The meeting also discussed financial guidelines for vendor payments to ensure transparency and clarity for local operators.

The meeting was attended by administrative officers and heads of various public works, health and civil departments, reflecting the administration’s coordinated approach towards ensuring a safe, smooth and environmentally responsible ZFM 2026. (DIPR)