Minister for Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Floriculture, Javaid Mustafa Mir today chaired a meeting and reviewed the arrangements made for the forthcoming Shivratri festival.The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, DC Srinagar, DC Baramulla and heads of various departments whereas Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal, Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Kupwara, Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama districts participated in the meeting via video conferencing.The Minister was apprised of various arrangements put in place for the festival. The Minister directed the officials to ensure that fresh fish, walnuts, honey and vegetables are made available at all locations wherever Pandit community resides.The meeting was informed that adequate arrangement for water supply has been made and wherever necessary mobile water tankers have been put in place. The officials of Horticulture department informed the meeting that best quality walnuts have been made available at many locations for the convenience of the Pandit community.
It was apprised that private suppliers have also been roped in for providing fresh fish and vegetables particularly Nadru. The Minister directed the officials to ensure that market checking is enhanced so that black marketing, profiteering and hoarding is kept in check.Mir directed the PDD officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply for at least two days of Shivratri and dedicated evening supply for other days. He also directed the concerned to ensure sanitation and cleanliness at all concerned religious places in various districts.He said that government is committed to providing all facilities to the community for the festival. He said that special arrangements should be made for security too and no laxity in this regard would be tolerated.