SRINAGAR: In a significant development, the traditional water navigation route from Dal Lake to Ziyarat Syed Qamar Din Bukhara at Beehama Ganderbal shall be revived to celebrate the Urs of Saint on September 08.
In this regard, a meeting was convened by Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole in his office chamber, here to review the arrangements and elaborate on the requirements to concerning departments.
On the occasion, Div Com said that the practice of taking a fleet of boats and shikaras carrying devotees, artists from Dal Lake and Zero Bridge to Ziyarat shall be revived after an epoch of three decades.
The Div Com fixed the responsibilities for the departments to hold a massive rally of water transport to exhibit cultural festivities for the observance of Urs Qamar Din Bukhari.
He instructed the Chief Engineer, I&FC to clear the route from bushes and trees besides asked him to conduct trial on August 29 to gauge the height of footbridges and width of boats to endure the safe passage of the fleet.
He also asked VC, LCMA to clear the routes in water bodies from weeds, bushes for holding smooth water convoys of boats, shikaras and motorboats.
The Div Com directed Tourism department and AACL, J&K to arrange artists who would display and present several cultural aspects of the valley.
Also, he asked SMC Commissioner to arrange programmes and sets at various ghats of river Jhelum.
He stressed the participation of youth who performed in the Dal Cross event as swimmers this year besides other students.
Meanwhile, Pole directed ADC Ganderbal to make arrangements regarding tents, water, electricity, and firewood besides fire & emergency tenders and security arrangements to celebrate Urs conveniently and successfully.
ADC was also asked to conduct cultural events and hold naat competitions ahead of the celebration and felicitate the winner on the eve of Ur Mubarak.
Among others, present were the Deputy Director Tourism, officers of Waqf board, Wildlife and Forest department.
