Srinagar, Aug 14: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, has extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of the Urs of Hazrat Sultan Ali Aali Balkhi (RA), which is scheduled to commence from August 15.
In his message, the Speaker highlighted the deep spiritual and religious significance of the occasion. He said that the annual observance of this religious festival holds immense importance for the devotees across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. He said that a large number of devotees are expected to visit the revered shrine of Hazrat Sultan Ali Aali Balkhi (RA) at Pakherpora during the 20-day-long Urs.
The Speaker particularly underscored that major religious gatherings are expected on the 11th and 13th days of the Islamic calendar, with Poshak Bandi on August 25 and Shab Khawani on August 27.
In view of the anticipated heavy footfall, he stressed the need for meticulous advance planning and coordinated arrangements to ensure that the devotees are able to participate in the religious gatherings peacefully, safely and conveniently.
The Speaker directed the district administration to put in place all necessary arrangements well in advance, with focus on drinking water supply, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation, healthcare, transport, traffic management, cleanliness and other essential civic amenities in and around the Shrine.
He called for adequate provision of drinking water points and standby arrangements to meet any exigency besides ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply at the shrine and other important locations. He also directed the concerned agencies to ensure proper sanitation facilities, deployment of adequate sanitation staff and regular lifting of waste to maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the Urs period.
Emphasising the importance of healthcare arrangements, the Speaker directed the Health Department to ensure availability of medical teams, essential medicines, ambulances and first-aid facilities at strategic locations, especially during the major gatherings. He called for adequate preparedness to deal with any medical emergency and directed that emergency response mechanisms remain functional throughout the event.
The Speaker stressed the need for a comprehensive traffic and transport management plan to regulate the movement of devotees and vehicles. He called for identification of adequate parking spaces, smooth traffic flow, proper route management and deployment of sufficient personnel to prevent congestion and inconvenience to visitors.
Rather directed the district administration to ensure adequate availability of passenger transport for hassle-free movement of devotees visiting the shrine. He called for sufficient passenger vehicles to be made readily available for direct connectivity between Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Chadoora and Srinagar and Pakherpora besides ensuring convenient return transportation from Pakherpora to these destinations.
