Bandipora, August 20: Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad today chaired a meeting of officers at Sumbal Sub-Division to finalize arrangements for ensuing Muharram-ul-Harram.
The meeting among others was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Rahul Malik, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dr Bashir Lone representatives of prominent Shia Anjumans, besides officers of R&B, PDD, PHE all Tehsildars, all EOs and other concerned officials.
On the occasion, threadbare discussion was held regarding the arrangements put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the religious activities amid corona virus pandemic. It was given that special arrangements have been made in view of the present circumstances emerged due to COVID-19 outbreak.
Speaking on the occasion, DC stressed upon the concerned officers to make adequate arrangements with regard to uninterrupted power and water supply in the Shia dominated areas. He also directed them to work in coordination and make a viable mechanism so that the devotees may not face any inconvenience.
Deputy Commissioner directed the Municipal authorities to fumigate all the vital locations viz Imam Baras, shrines and masjids. He also directed the health authorities to make adequate arrangements and organize special camps for distributing face masks, sanitizers and immunity boosting medicines.
During the meeting, the representatives of various Shia Anjumans/ organizations put forth their issues relating to improvement of roads particularly the links/lanes where Muharram processions are scheduled to pass, besides uninterrupted supply of electricity and drinking water, adequate supply of essentials, availability of fire wood, sanitation and availability of medical care enroute processions.
DDC gave patient hearing to the people and assured that all issues put forth would be resolved. He said concerned authorities of PDD and PHE have been asked to ensure that the requirements and demands relating to supply of electricity and drinking water shall be mitigated in advance.
The PDD authorities were directed to ensure High Mast lights/ Halogen Bulbs and LEDs are in place at all important places and besides ensuring generator sets are installed at identified locations, they were also directed to ensure that street lights are fully functional.
The R&B authorities were directed to ensure that the dilapidated roads if any from where the procession would take place are repaired at the earliest.
Dr Owais directed the Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs to ensure adequate supply and prompt distribution of ration, and LPG. Regarding firewood the SFC department has been directed to dump the required quantity of firewood at already identified locations as per past practice.
He also directed the Municipal authorities to ensure that there shall be no laxity with regard to sanitation and cleanliness during the prescribed period, they shall launch a special drive well in advance. The District Development Commissioner impressed upon the officers to work in close coordination.
