Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today undertook an extensive tour of several areas in Srinagar city to assess the arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming Muharram observances.
The visit was aimed to ensure that all the requisite civic and infrastructural facilities are made available to the public well in advance. The Minister was accompanied by MLA Zadaibal, Tanvir Sadiq, senior officers of the District administration and officials from various line departments during the inspection.
The Minister visited the interior areas of dal like Mir Bahari, Meena Bazar, Moti Mohalla, Batt Mohalla, Gucchi Mohalla,besides Kathidarwaza, Madin Sahib, Tibetan Colony, Butt Colony and Mandibal. He took stock of the ongoing works and reviewed the preparedness of various departments responsible for providing essential services during the holy month.
During the visit, Satish Sharma conducted on-the-spot inspection of civic infrastructure and reviewed the arrangements related to street lighting, sanitation, drainage, drinking water supply, road connectivity, cleanliness drives and other public utility services.
He directed the concerned departments to work in close coordination and adopt a proactive approach to ensure that all facilities are put in place in a timely manner. The Minister also reviewed the preparedness of the Power Development Department (PDD) and the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED).
He emphasized the need for uninterrupted electricity and water supply during Muharram. He instructed the concerned officials to identify and address any deficiencies immediately and ensure round-the-clock monitoring of essential services during the observance period.
At various locations, the Minister interacted with the local residents, community representatives and members of Muharram committees, who apprised him of their concerns and requirements. He assured them that the government remains committed to facilitate the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram and that all genuine issues raised during the visit would be addressed on priority.
The Minister also visited the historic Imambara at Madina Sahib, where he inspected the arrangements being made for devotees and mourners. He directed the concerned agencies to ensure proper sanitation, adequate lighting, drinking water facilities and hassle-free movement of people around the religious site.
MLA Zadaibal Tanvir Sadiq highlighted several locality-specific issues and urged the concerned departments to expedite the pending works. Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma underscored the significance of Muharram. He said that ensuring adequate civic amenities and public services during important religious occasions remains a top priority of the government.
"The administration and all the concerned departments must work in close coordination to ensure that the required arrangements are completed within the stipulated timeframe. Every effort should be made to provide seamless services and create an enabling environment for peaceful observance of Muharram," the Minister said.
The accompanying officers assured the Minister that all directions issued during the inspection would be implemented promptly and that pending issues identified during the visit would be resolved on priority.