DC Srinagar conducts on-site review of arrangements at Hazratbal Shrine ahead of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW)

• Calls for meticulous coordination to ensure adequate facilities for devotees and seamless observance of auspicious occasion

SRINAGAR: Ahead of the observance of auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and the Friday following, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo today conducted an on-site review of the arrangements at Hazratbal Shrine and took stock of the facilities being put in place for devotees.

Vice Chairman Lakes Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA), Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, Joint Commissioner SMC Nuzhat Qureshi, IAS Probationer Aakash Garg, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, SP Hazratbal, Hilal Khaliq, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Tehsildar Wakaf Board, Ishtiyaq Ahmad, Tehsildar Khanyar/North, Syed Shahid, BMO Hazratbal, Dr Abdul Majeed, Executive Engineers of KPDCL, PHE, R&B, SMC, UEED, ARTO, Officers  of fire & Emergency, besides members of the Shrine management.

During the visit, the DC reviewed the arrangements related to availability of drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation and cleanliness measures, traffic management, parking, transportation, healthcare, fire safety, security and other essential services required for the smooth conduct of the auspicious occasion.

While chairing a meeting at the Shrine, the DC took a department wise comprehensive review of the arrangements from the Officers of the concerned departments and the DC directed the Officers to ensure that all necessary facilities are put in place well in advance to cater to the large number of devotees expected to visit Hazratbal for prayers.

Emphasizing the importance of meticulous coordination, the DC called upon all concerned departments to work in close synergy to ensure adequate facilities for devotees and seamless observance of auspicious occasion. He directed the concerned agencies to put in place a comprehensive traffic management plan to facilitate smooth movement of devotees and emergency vehicles. Adequate parking arrangements and effective regulation of vehicular movement around the shrine were also emphasized.

In order to assist and facilitate senior citizens, specially abled visiting the shrine, the DC instructed officials from Transport department to arrange e-Rickshaw services from designated parking areas to the shrine during their visits to the Hazratbal shrine on the auspicious occasion. The DC stressed on ensuring uninterrupted power and adequate drinking water supply at the shrine and other congregation points so that devotees do not face any inconvenience.

The DC also directed the Health Department to ensure adequate medical arrangements, including deployment of medical teams, availability of essential medicines, first-aid facilities and deployment of critical care ambulance services at the Shrine to respond promptly to any medical emergency.

The SMC authorities were further directed to maintain proper sanitation and cleanliness within the shrine premises and along the adjoining roads and congregation areas. In addition, the directions were also passed for deployed of sufficient men, machinery, and Mobile Toilet Units at the venue. Special attention was sought to cleanliness before, during and after the observance.

The DC also reviewed security and fire-safety arrangements and directed the concerned agencies to remain vigilant and ensure adequate preparedness to deal with any eventuality. The DC stressed that all arrangements should remain devotee-centric, with particular focus on providing a safe, convenient and hassle-free environment to people visiting Hazratbal to offer prayers.

The DC reiterated that close coordination among the Civil Administration, Police, Traffic, Health, SMC and other line departments is essential for the smooth management of the large congregation expected on the occasion. The DC directed all concerned Officers to remain available and responsive throughout the observance and ensure that every necessary arrangement is completed well ahead of time.

During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner, accompanied by the Vice Chairman, LCMA, also inspected the parking site near the shrine and reviewed the ongoing upgradation works being undertaken to augment the parking capacity for devotees.

The DC expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and the Friday following would be observed peacefully, smoothly and with due religious fervour at Hazratbal Shrine.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo has also conveyed his heartiest greetings and best wishes to people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad Un Nabi(SAW).