DC Budgam reviews Eid-ul-Adha, Muharram-ul-Harram arrangements

• Directs departments to ensure uninterrupted essential services, smooth public facilitation across district

BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today chaired a follow-up review meeting of officers from various departments to assess the  arrangements being put in place across the district for Eid-ul-Adha and the ensuing holy month of Muharram-ul-Harram.

During the meeting, the DC reviewed preparations related to transport, sanitation, uninterrupted water and power supply, healthcare services, market regulation and availability of essential commodities to ensure smooth observance of the religious occasions. A detailed discussion was also held regarding arrangements required for the smooth and peaceful conduct of processions and majalis during Muharram-ul-Harram.

The DC reviewed various aspects including scheduled power and water supply, repair and surface levelling of key roads and link roads, timely distribution of ration, LPG and firewood, sanitation measures, installation and restoration of street lights, healthcare facilities, transport and traffic management, besides other essential services. The DC directed concerned departments to ensure all necessary arrangements are put in place well in advance to facilitate the public and avoid inconvenience during Eid-ul-Adha and Muharram-ul-Harram.

The Power Development Department was directed to ensure smooth and scheduled power supply, while the Jal Shakti Department was instructed to maintain uninterrupted drinking water supply and ensure availability of water tankers across all subdivisions of the district. Municipal authorities and Urban Local Bodies were instructed to undertake comprehensive sanitation drives around mosques, shrines, Eidgahs and major congregation points in coordination with local committees. 

Executive Officers of Municipal Committees were also directed to ensure proper installation and maintenance of street lights well ahead of Muharram. The Health Department was asked to keep ambulances and medical teams available at major congregation points and during processions and gatherings. Forest Department was asked to ensure adequate supply of firewood, while the FCS&CA Department was directed to ensure advance distribution of ration. 

Cooperatives Department was instructed to make rice, sugar and other essential commodities available through temporary outlets across the district. Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments were instructed to ensure adequate availability of poultry and sacrificial animals at notified locations and approved rates for the convenience of the public. 

Directions were also issued for proper disposal and scientific management of offal and animal waste to maintain hygiene and cleanliness. R&B Department and Urban Local Bodies were directed to complete road repairs, drainage clearance and related works in advance. ARTO Budgam was instructed to formulate a comprehensive transportation plan for major centres across the district.

Emphasising strict market regulation, the DC directed joint market checking teams comprising officials from Revenue, Food Safety, FCS&CA, Municipal Council, Legal Metrology and Police departments to intensify inspections to ensure quality and fair pricing of essential commodities including mutton, poultry, vegetables, fruits, bakery and confectionery items.

Stressing coordinated efforts and proactive public facilitation, the DC instructed all SDMs and concerned officers to closely monitor arrangements on the ground and remain available for grievance redressal and public assistance at all times. The meeting was attended by ADDC Budgam Vivek Agarwal; CPO Budgam Javaid Ahmad Najar; all SDMs, SE Hydraulic Circle Budgam, ACD, ACP, CMO, Executive Engineers of R&B, PDD and PHE, Tehsildars, Executive Officers, ARTO, officers from Police, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Jal Shakti and other line departments.