BUDGAM, SEPTEMBER 03: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Charar-i-Sharief, Abdul Rahim Rather, today chaired a meeting to review arrangements for the forthcoming annual Urs of the revered 14th-century patron saint of Kashmir, Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Aalam Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), scheduled to commence from October 7.
During the meeting, the Speaker reviewed the arrangements being put in place by various departments for smooth, peaceful and hassle-free conduct of the Urs, with particular emphasis on ensuring adequate civic amenities and facilities for devotees.
Reviewing the arrangements for drinking water, the Speaker directed the concerned departments to ensure adequate and uninterrupted water supply in and around the shrine and Charar-i-Sharief town. He called for ensuring round-the-clock availability of water in washrooms for both male and female devotees and deployment of water tankers as an emergency measure, wherever required.
Regarding power supply and illumination, the Speaker directed the concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the Urs period and proper illumination of the shrine and adjoining areas.
On health and medical facilities, the Speaker called for deployment of adequate medical teams, availability of ambulances and sufficient stocks of essential medicines to deal with any medical emergency during the celebrations.
The Speaker also directed the concerned authorities to make arrangements for distribution of ration to the residents of Charar-i-Sharief, keeping in view the anticipated increase in the number of visitors and the requirements of the local population during the Urs.
Emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and sanitation, the Speaker directed for adequate deployment of sanitation staff, installation of sufficient toilets and dustbins at strategic locations and regular lifting and scientific disposal of waste to maintain cleanliness in and around the shrine and town.
He further directed the concerned departments to conduct regular inspections of shops and food establishments to ensure compliance with prescribed standards of food hygiene and sanitation. He also called for strict monitoring of prices, weights and measures to safeguard the interests of devotees and the general public.
Reviewing the transport and traffic management arrangements, the Speaker stressed the need for adequate public transport facilities, designated parking areas and a well-coordinated traffic management plan, including proper diversions and regulation of vehicular movement, to ensure smooth traffic flow during the Urs.
On security arrangements, the Speaker called for adequate deployment of security personnel for effective crowd management and maintenance of law and order. He stressed the need for strict vigil in and around the shrine and other sensitive areas. He also directed for positioning of adequate fire-fighting and emergency response vehicles at strategic locations to deal with any eventuality.
The Speaker stressed upon all concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure effective inter-departmental convergence for making comprehensive arrangements well in advance. He called for regular monitoring of all arrangements and prompt resolution of any gaps or bottlenecks so that the Urs celebrations are conducted in a peaceful, safe and seamless manner.
The Speaker directed for establishment of a 24×7 control room during the Urs period to facilitate prompt redressal of issues and grievances of devotees and the general public. He called for deployment of designated officers and officials from all concerned departments at the control room on a rotational basis, so that necessary assistance and coordination are available round the clock and any issue arising during the Urs is addressed promptly.
He reiterated that all necessary arrangements must be put in place well ahead of commencement of the Urs to facilitate devotees and ensure their safety, comfort and convenience.
ADC Budgam, SDM Chadoora, CMO Budgam Executive Engineers (PHE, R&B), AD FCS&CA, Tehsildar Charar-i-Sharief, SDPO Charar-i-sharief, ARTO Budgam, BMO Charar-i-sharief, BDO Charar-i-sharief and representatives from civil society were present in the meeting.
