Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) of Kashmir, conducted a comprehensive review of arrangements at key religious sites to facilitate the seamless observance of Shab-e-Meraj and the subsequent Friday prayers.
Addressing the occasion, Div Com Bidhuri instructed relevant authorities to guarantee the availability of essential amenities such as drinking water, power, medical facilities, and sanitation at shrines and mosques. Particular focus was placed on Aasar-i-Sharief Hazratbal, Aasar-i-Sharief Kalashpora, Jenab Sahab Soura, Ziyarat Sharief Kabamarg, Ziyarat Sharief Khiram, Anantnag, Ziyarat Sharief Makhama, and Ziyarat Aham-i-Sharief Bandipora, where large numbers of devotees gather for prayers on the night of Shab-e-Meraj.
The meeting saw the participation of Deputy Commissioners (DCs), officers from various departments including FCS&CA, Health Services, PDD, PHE, R&B, SMC, Sanitation, Horticulture Department, SRTC, Traffic Department, and police.
During the discussions, Div Com Bidhuri directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to ensure uninterrupted power supply, while the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was instructed to ensure the proper functioning of street lights.
The Public Health Engineering (PHE) department was asked to maintain an uninterrupted supply of drinking water at all religious sites, with water tankers stationed at Hazratbal Shrine. Additionally, the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) was tasked with providing sufficient transportation along all connected routes to Aasar-e-Sharif Hazratbal, especially during night prayers, and identifying parking areas for the convenience of vehicle owners.
Div Com Vijay Kumar Bidhuri called for an increased number of buses during the dispersal of devotees after prayers, with the Fire & Emergency department instructed to station fire tenders strategically for the safety of people and infrastructure. The SMC was directed to conduct sanitation drives at shrines and mosques, including a team for dog catching at Hazratbal Shrine.
Emphasizing health measures, Div Com Bidhuri urged the deployment of a team of doctors and paramedics, along with ambulances, at all specified locations, particularly at Aasar-e-Sharief Hazratbal. He also called on DCs to assess arrangements in their respective districts, focusing on prime religious locations, and ensure the availability of civic amenities.
Police officers were directed to oversee security arrangements, and traffic police were asked to devise a comprehensive plan for smooth traffic movement along identified routes. The collaborative efforts aim to ensure a peaceful and organized observance of Shab-e-Meraj and subsequent Friday prayers in Kashmir.