Calls for seamless coordination among depts, stakeholders
SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting on June 6 to review arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram across the Valley. The meeting aimed to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and hassle-free observance of religious rituals and processions during the holy month.
Key topics included civic, infrastructural, logistical, and administrative preparations, with an emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and community engagement. MLA Budgam, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, highlighted issues in Shia-majority areas, such as uninterrupted electricity and water supply, road repairs, functioning street lighting, and medical support at religious sites.
Representatives from various associations raised needs for enhanced sanitation, fumigation, firewood, ration, LPG supplies, stray dog mitigation, water tankers, and streamlined permissions for religious events. Traffic management, parking identification, and shuttle services were also discussed to facilitate movement during processions.
Garg directed all Deputy Commissioners to appoint nodal officers and share contact details with community representatives for effective communication. He emphasized preparing district-wise checklists to address short-term issues promptly and incorporate developmental concerns into future planning.
The departments were instructed to ensure timely repairs of roads in Shia-dominated areas and guarantee uninterrupted water and electricity supplies. Additional water tankers will be deployed where needed, and essential supplies like firewood, ration, and LPG should be adequately stocked.
Sanitation was prioritized, with municipal bodies warned to undertake special cleanliness drives at key locations. The Health Department was tasked with deploying medical teams and ambulances at strategic points to assist mourners.
Traffic management plans, parking, and shuttle services were to be arranged to facilitate movement while security agencies were directed to ensure foolproof arrangements for safety. Garg urged all departments to prepare well in advance for a peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram, emphasizing coordinated efforts.
The meeting included senior officials from police, security agencies, KPDCL, PHE, R&B, health, municipal bodies, and other relevant departments.