Srinagar: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday directed officers to ensure seamless arrangements and uninterrupted essential services for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Deputy Chief Minister undertook an extensive tour of several Shia-majority areas of Srinagar to review the preparations being made for the forthcoming holy month. During the visit, he inspected various Imam Baras and prominent religious sites, including the revered shrine of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araki at Zadibal, the historic Imam Bara Zadibal and Imam Bara Hassanabad.
Accompanied by Salman Ali Sagar and Tanvir Sadiq, he also visited Imam Bara Gulshan Bagh, Baghwanpora, Nawabagh in Lal Bazar and Bota Kadal, where he interacted with local representatives and residents to gather first-hand feedback on the ongoing preparations.
During the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to ensure effective inter-departmental coordination and make all necessary arrangements for uninterrupted healthcare services, drinking water supply, electricity, sanitation, road connectivity, street lighting and other essential civic amenities.
“Water tanks should be deployed regularly in all affected areas so that residents do not face any inconvenience during the Muharram observance,” he said.
He further instructed officers to maintain round-the-clock readiness and establish an effective grievance redressal mechanism for the prompt resolution of public concerns.
Senior officers from various departments accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during the visit and briefed him on the arrangements and developmental works underway in their respective jurisdictions.
Assuring the public of full government support, Choudhary said the administration remains committed to ensuring adequate facilities and a conducive environment for the observance of Muharram-ul-Haram across the Union Territory.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the Soura area and reviewed progress on key infrastructure projects, including the Donibagh–Soura road widening project. He directed the concerned authorities to remove bottlenecks and encroachments affecting the pace of work and stressed the need for smooth traffic movement and improved public connectivity.
He also reviewed the status of ongoing City Gateway development works in the Hazratbal and Zadibal areas and called for their timely completion while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
