CM Calls for Hassle-Free Facilities for Devotees, Emphasizes Smooth Arrangements for Eid-e-Milad
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting at Hazratbal Shrine to review preparations for the upcoming Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), celebrated during Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Describing the occasion as one of the most significant in the Muslim religious calendar, the Chief Minister emphasized ensuring smooth celebrations and a hassle-free experience for devotees.
Highlighting traffic management and devotee facilitation as top priorities, he called for proper parking arrangements, adherence to designated traffic routes, shuttle services, and regulation of fares to prevent overcharging. “Transport must be safe, comfortable, easily accessible, and frequent for devotees visiting Hazratbal Shrine,” he said.
On security, Omar Abdullah directed a visible presence of male and female police personnel, particularly in sensitive areas, to enhance safety and prevent theft or disorder.
The Chief Minister also instructed the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity during the celebrations, with backup generators and adequate fuel available for emergencies.
Regarding sanitation, he emphasized mobile toilet units, regular deployment of sanitation workers, and effective waste management. He also stressed the availability of dewatering pumps, ambulances, fire tenders, health clinics, and standby hospitals to address any contingency.
Omar Abdullah further directed that NGOs and voluntary groups providing food, water, and other services operate only in designated areas to prevent congestion. He also called for similar arrangements at other major Srinagar shrines, including Aasar-i-Sharief Hazratbal, Jenab Sahib Soura, and Aasar-i-Sharief Kalashpora, to ensure uniform facilities and safety measures.
Safe and clean drinking water, adequate public transport, and regular food quality checks by the Food Safety Department were also highlighted as essential.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SSP Srinagar, and department heads briefed the Chief Minister on preparations covering electricity, health services, medicines, paramedics, sanitation, and parking facilities.
During his visit to Hazratbal Shrine, which houses the revered Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Omar Abdullah interacted with shrine management, Wakf Board officials, and district administration officers to review arrangements for expected large gatherings, focusing on sanitation, electricity, water supply, health services, and fire safety.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, and senior officers from multiple departments, including Traffic, PHE, PDD, Fire & Emergency Services, and shrine administrators.
