BUDGAM: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the forthcoming Urs of Hazrat Sultan Ali Aali Balkhi (RA) at Pakherpora and directed departments to ensure adequate civic amenities, essential services and effective crowd management for devotees.
Chairing a review meeting, Rather stressed the need for advance planning and close coordination among departments in view of the large number of devotees expected to visit the shrine during the Urs.
He directed the concerned departments to ensure adequate drinking water facilities, uninterrupted power supply, proper lighting arrangements, sanitation measures and efficient waste management in and around the shrine. He also called for deployment of medical teams, first-aid facilities, ambulances and adequate stocks of essential medicines during the event.
The Speaker asked the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to ensure timely ration distribution and assess the need for additional quota during the Urs period. He also directed authorities to conduct regular inspections of shops and temporary stalls to check food quality, prices, weights and measures.
Reviewing transport and traffic arrangements, Rather instructed officials to ensure adequate public transport, earmark parking and drop-off points, and implement traffic regulation measures while maintaining unhindered access for emergency vehicles.
He emphasised clear allocation of responsibilities among departments and directed officials to remain prepared throughout the Urs period to facilitate devotees and local residents.
Earlier, the Speaker inaugurated the upgradation and blacktopping of inner link roads at Takiya Hayatpora, a project being executed at an estimated cost of ₹40 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Rather said improved road connectivity is essential for facilitating access to education, healthcare, markets and other public services.
Senior officers of various departments attended the review meeting.
