Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday reviewed arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram and the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, directing all departments to ensure seamless coordination and comprehensive facilities for devotees and mourners across the Valley.
Chairing separate high-level meetings with senior officers, district administrations and community representatives, the Divisional Commissioner assessed civic, infrastructural, logistical and security arrangements required for the smooth conduct of both religious observances.
Reviewing Muharram preparations, Garg directed Deputy Commissioners to designate nodal officers, prepare district-wise checklists and address all issues on priority. Representatives of religious organizations highlighted the need for uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply, road repairs, sanitation measures, medical facilities, traffic management, parking arrangements and availability of essential supplies, including LPG, ration and firewood.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the Roads and Buildings Department to undertake repair and macadamization of roads along major procession routes. The Public Health Engineering Department and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited were instructed to ensure uninterrupted water and electricity supply, while additional water tankers would be deployed in areas witnessing higher demand.
Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other urban local bodies were asked to conduct special cleanliness drives around Imambaras and procession routes. The Health Department was directed to deploy medical teams, ambulances and emergency response units, while police and security agencies were instructed to put in place comprehensive security arrangements.
In a separate review of arrangements for the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, Garg assessed preparedness for devotees visiting the shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal and other temple sites at Tikker in Kupwara, Manzgam and Devsar in Kulgam, and Logripora in Anantnag.
Representatives of Kashmiri Pandit organizations highlighted requirements relating to transport, accommodation, tentage, mobile toilets, drinking water, electricity, sanitation and illumination of temple premises.
The Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted essential services, including transport, medical aid, power and drinking water facilities for devotees. He also ordered special cleanliness drives and desiltation of the canal flowing through the Tulmulla temple complex to improve the ambience of the shrine.
Srinagar Municipal Corporation was directed to provide adequate mobile toilet facilities, while executing agencies were asked to complete all ongoing works at Tulmulla before the commencement of the mela. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal was tasked with overseeing arrangements and coordinating with all stakeholders, while police authorities were directed to ensure foolproof security arrangements.
Garg reiterated the administration’s commitment to facilitating both religious events and urged all departments to complete preparations well in advance to ensure smooth, peaceful and hassle-free observance for devotees and mourners.
