SRINAGAR, MAR 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, which begins tomorrow.
During the meeting, CM Abdullah emphasised the government’s responsibility to ensure that the public faces no inconvenience during this sacred month, highlighting the importance of providing seamless services across key sectors.
He stated, “As Ramadan begins tomorrow, the people rightfully expect the government to take all necessary measures to ensure they do not face any difficulties during this sacred month.” He further stressed the need for careful planning, especially in areas that are under high demand, such as electricity and water supply.
One of the primary concerns raised by the Chief Minister was the provision of uninterrupted power supply during Sehri and Iftar times. He directed officials to prioritize power supply during these peak hours, ensuring there are no outages. “Any necessary shutdowns should be well-planned, and curtailment should be carried out during the daytime as per a proper schedule,” he instructed. He also emphasized that maintenance works, if needed, should be undertaken during daylight hours to avoid disruptions during the crucial periods of Sehri and Iftar.
On the issue of water supply, the Chief Minister noted that the recent spell of snow and rainfall had helped improve the situation. However, he reiterated the importance of ensuring that households receive a steady and adequate supply of potable water throughout the month.
Cleanliness and sanitation around key religious sites, including mosques and shrines, was another area of focus. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that all public places are kept clean, particularly in areas with high footfall during Ramadan. He also instructed that traffic management plans be put in place to ensure smooth movement, while security arrangements around mosques and other public spaces were also discussed. The Inspector General of Police for both Jammu and Kashmir briefed the meeting on the security preparations in place.
In a bid to address any grievances swiftly, CM Abdullah directed all Deputy Commissioners to set up fully staffed district control rooms. These control rooms will be tasked with addressing issues and complaints from the public promptly, ensuring that all concerns are resolved in a timely manner.
“The collective effort should be to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Ramadan for the people. It is our responsibility to put all necessary arrangements in place,” he said.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Additional Chief Secretaries from various departments. The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Bidhuri, presented a detailed report on the arrangements for Ramadan, covering topics like electricity demand during peak hours, water supply, sanitation, traffic plans, and food safety.
With the government’s focus on ensuring the smooth delivery of services, CM Abdullah concluded the meeting by reiterating the importance of a collective effort to provide the public with a hassle-free and peaceful Ramadan experience.
