BUDGAM: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza Friday convened a meeting of concerned officers to review arrangements to be put in place for ensuing Muharram-ul-Haram starting from 10th August.
The meeting was attended by the J&K Shia Association and other representatives of the Shia community.
During the meeting threadbare discussion was held on arrangements like electricity, water supply, roads, ration, firewood, sanitation, Street lighting, medicare facilities and fire tenders.
The DC directed the PDD authorities to ensure high mast lights; halogen bulbs and LEDs are in place at all important locations besides that street lights are fully functional.
The PHE authorities were directed to ensure that water tanks are made available at identified locations besides uninterrupted supply of drinking water is also ensured during these auspicious days.
Similarly R&B authorities were directed to repair the dilapidated roads if any at an earliest and the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department was also directed to ensure timely, adequate and prompt supply & distribution of ration.
It was given out that Sugar supply shall be made available at all shia dominated areas by the Cooperative Department in the district. While sanitation drives shall be carried out by municipal committees in urban areas and by Rural Development Department in imambaras in rural areas.
Regarding firewood, the SFC department has been directed to dump the required quantity of firewood at already identified locations as per past practice.
The DC emphasized upon strict adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour during Muharram-ul-Haram besides aggressive sampling at imambaras. The Health department shall circulate an advisory related to do’s and don’ts of Covid-19, the DC instructed.
The procession schedule shall be shared in advance by all shia associations with the health department, the DC said.

KR Desk