Srinagar, Jun 6 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday reviewed arrangements for the forthcoming Muharram-ul-Haram and directed all departments to ensure seamless coordination for the smooth and peaceful observance of religious rituals and processions across the Valley.
Chairing a high-level meeting of senior officers and stakeholders, Garg assessed civic, infrastructural, logistical and administrative preparedness required during the holy month, with special emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and engagement with community representatives.
During the meeting, MLA Budgam, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, highlighted issues concerning Shia-majority areas and sought uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply, road repairs and macadamisation, functioning streetlights, and adequate deployment of medical personnel at major religious venues.
Representatives of various associations and stakeholders raised demands for enhanced sanitation measures, fumigation drives, availability of firewood, ration and LPG supplies, mitigation of the stray dog menace, deployment of water tankers, streamlined permissions for religious events, traffic management plans, parking facilities and shuttle services.
The divisional commissioner directed all deputy commissioners and concerned departments to designate nodal officers and share their contact details with community representatives for effective communication and prompt redressal of issues. The Deputy Director Planning in the Divisional Commissioner’s Office was designated as the divisional-level nodal officer for coordination and monitoring of arrangements.
Garg asked deputy commissioners to prepare district-wise checklists of requirements and ensure that all short-term issues are addressed on priority, while larger developmental concerns raised by stakeholders are incorporated into future planning.
He also directed the preparation of a comprehensive list of roads requiring repair and macadamisation in Shia-dominated areas to facilitate smooth movement of mourners and processions.
The Public Health Engineering Department and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited were instructed to ensure uninterrupted water and electricity supply during Muharram, with additional water tankers to be deployed in high-demand areas.
The divisional commissioner further directed concerned departments to ensure adequate availability and timely distribution of essential supplies, including firewood, ration and LPG.
Emphasising sanitation and public hygiene, Garg instructed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other urban local bodies to undertake special cleanliness drives around Imambaras, congregation sites and procession routes, including intensified waste collection and disposal operations.
The Health Department was asked to deploy adequate medical teams, ambulances and emergency response units at key locations, particularly in Srinagar and Budgam districts.
Garg also called for comprehensive traffic management plans, identification of suitable parking spaces and provision of shuttle services wherever required.
Stressing the need for foolproof security arrangements, he directed close coordination among police, civil administration and security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct of all religious events.
The meeting was attended by the DIG Central Kashmir, deputy commissioners and officers from various departments, including KPDCL, PHE, Roads and Buildings, Health, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, police and security agencies, officials said.(NVI)
