Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, today convened a high-level meeting of district officers to comprehensively review the arrangements put in place for the ongoing holy month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak and to ensure that all necessary facilities are made available to the public in a smooth and hassle-free manner.
During the meeting, it was stressed that uninterrupted power and potable water supply across the district must be ensured throughout the holy month, with special emphasis on the critical hours of Sehri (Suhoor) and Iftar. The Executive Engineers of the Power Development Department (PDD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department were directed to sensitise their respective field staff and ensure round-the-clock monitoring so that any disruptions are promptly addressed and minimum inconvenience is caused to the public.
The DC further directed that special measures be adopted to maintain stability in essential supplies and ensure that adequate manpower is deployed to handle increased demand during peak hours. It was impressed upon the concerned departments that uninterrupted electricity supply during Sehri and Iftar timings shall be accorded top priority across all areas of the district.
At the outset, directions were issued for the constitution of special market checking squads to strictly monitor markets and take firm action against profiteering, hoarding, black marketing and overcharging. It was emphasized that regular market inspections shall be carried out to ensure availability of essential commodities at notified rates and that strict enforcement of consumer protection norms shall be ensured in letter and spirit.
Emphasis was also laid on maintaining sanitation, cleanliness and proper illumination in all towns and municipal areas. The Executive Officers of Municipal Committees were directed to launch special cleanliness drives with focus on cleaning of roads, lanes, drains and market areas.
Regular lifting and disposal of garbage and waste material was directed to be ensured to maintain hygienic conditions during the holy month. Instructions were also issued for the installation and maintenance of street lights to ensure proper lighting in public spaces.
The DC further directed the concerned authorities to ensure that public transport services remain operational during evening and late hours, particularly around Iftar timings, so that commuters and shoppers do not face any inconvenience.
It was also stressed that health and veterinary departments shall remain alert and responsive to ensure availability of essential medical and animal health services during the holy month. Departments were advised to maintain close coordination and adopt a proactive approach to address any public grievances in a time-bound manner.
The DC emphasised that all departments must work in close coordination to ensure that the holy month of Ramadan is observed in an atmosphere of comfort, cleanliness and ease for the people. He directed that officers shall personally monitor the implementation of the directions issued and ensure that public service delivery remains efficient and uninterrupted.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Budgam, Mehraj Din Shah; Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Javaid Ahmad; all Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs); Chief Medical Officer (CMO); Animal and Sheep Husbandry Officer; Executive Engineers of PHE and PDD, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), and other concerned officers.