Div Com for hassle-free arrangements for Shab-I- Mehraj, Maha Shivratri celebrations

Srinagar: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today convened a meeting of officers to review arrangements for celebrations of ensuing Shab-i-Meraj and Maha Shivratri festivals.

The meeting among others was attended by CEO Waqf Board, Chief Engineers from, R&B, PDD, PHE, Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, SP Rural Traffic and representatives of other concerned departments. The Deputy Commissioners also attended the meeting through videoconferencing.

At the outset, the Div Com stressed on ensuring all arrangements are put in place across all the places where gatherings are held during the celebrations of Shab-I-Mehraj.

The CEO Waqf Board apprised the chair that no night prayers shall be held in wake of the Covid-19 while only small gatherings shall be held during the display of holy relic at Dargah and other religious places.

The Div Com directed the concerned to establish a joint control room at Hazratbal and ensure people coming to all places follow covid SOPs strictly.

SMC authorities were instructed to deploy additional safai karamcharis at all required places to ensure proper cleaning of all religious places. Besides, mobile toilets facility is also made available to the devotees.

He also emphasized on uninterrupted power and water supply with additional water tankers and gensets are stationed at all required spots during the festivals.

The Div Com stressed on making fool-proof security arrangements including proper frisking and proper deployment at all venues.

FCS&CA authorities were asked to ensure availability of essential commodities across all markets, besides timely supply of rations in all areas.

The concerned were directed to ensure availability of mutton and the same is sold as per the government rates while as sale centre of fish, walnut and Lotus stem are set up in all Pandit Community areas.

In order to curb black marketing, the Div Com called for rigorous market checking.

He also stressed on smooth arrangements of transport, separate parking and proper route plan is formulated for the hassle-free to and fro movement of vehicles.

Health authorities were asked to ensure deployment of doctors, paramedics along with ambulances and screening teams at all shrines and religious places during the gatherings.