Srinagar, August 19: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday reviewed preparations for Eid Milad-un-Nabi and the following Friday, directing Deputy Commissioners and concerned departments to ensure adequate arrangements and uninterrupted availability of essential commodities and services across the Kashmir Division.
Garg chaired a high-level meeting attended by Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner SMC, SSPs, VC LCMA and senior officers from KPDCL, PHE, FCS&CA, PWD, Food Safety, Legal Metrology, LCMA, Wakf Board, Health, Police and Traffic departments, besides religious representatives.
The meeting reviewed arrangements at major religious sites, including Hazratbal Shrine, Jenab Sahib Soura, Assar-i-Sharief Kalashpora, Aham-i-Sharief Bandipora, Kabamarg Anantnag and Pethmakhama Budgam, which are expected to witness large gatherings and night prayers.
Special focus was placed on Hazratbal Shrine, where more than one lakh devotees are expected to participate in congregational and night prayers. The Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned agencies to ensure that essential facilities remain fully functional throughout the occasion.
The Chief Engineer, KPDCL, was directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply at Hazratbal, along with reliable backup through DG sets. PHE authorities were asked to establish adequate drinking-water points and keep water tankers ready for emergencies.
For the convenience of devotees, SSCL, SRTC and ARTO were directed to deploy sufficient buses and e-autos, including late-night services. Traffic Police Srinagar was asked to prepare a comprehensive route plan for visitors arriving from different districts to ensure smooth traffic movement and prevent congestion.
Garg also directed Wakf authorities to make advance arrangements for tents and adequate shelter at designated religious locations. The Commissioner SMC was instructed to undertake an extensive cleanliness and sanitation drive around Hazratbal Shrine and adjoining areas.
To ensure food safety and protect consumers, joint market-inspection teams were directed to monitor food quality, hygiene and prices around markets and religious sites. Strict action was ordered against traders violating prescribed standards or resorting to overcharging.
The Health Department was asked to establish medical camps and deploy personnel as per duty rosters, while Fire & Emergency Services were directed to position fire tenders at vulnerable and strategically important locations for prompt response to any emergency.
Religious representatives expressed satisfaction with the arrangements being undertaken for the occasion. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioners briefed the Divisional Commissioner on preparations and facilities being put in place in their respective districts.
Garg reiterated that all departments must work in close coordination to ensure safe, smooth and hassle-free observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi and the following Friday across the Kashmir Division.
