Srinagar, July 15: In view of forthcoming Holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Saturday undertook an extensive visit of various Shia populated areas of City and Imambargahs at Zadibal and Hasanabad to take a first-hand appraisal of arrangements being made for smooth observance of Muharram proceedings.
The Deputy Commissioner also visited the Shrine of Shamsuddin Araqi and Shia populated areas enroute Mir Behri Dal.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner passed several onspot directions to the line Departments and stressed on elaborate arrangements and sustained efforts facilitating the observance of important proceedings especially on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The DC also stressed on conducting Department wise audit of the essential services on the occasion of the Holy month.
At Zadibal Imambara, the DC held a detailed interaction with the local Shia leaders and public representatives to have first-hand feedback of the arrangements to be put in place during the Holy Month of Muharram-ul-Haram.
On the occasion, the Chief Medical Officer and officers of the Health Department were asked to keep first aid facilities, Medical teams and Ambulances available in the areas and also accompany the processions to ensure immediate first aid/ medical treatment.
Similarly, the DC asked the SMC and allied Departments to repair all dysfunctional Street lights including High Mass lights around Imambaras and make them functional well before the important days of Muharram. He also stressed on ensuring cleanliness of lanes and drains inside the compounds of Imambaras, Shrines and roads enroute Procession routes. He also asked them to enhance manpower for ensuring proper cleanliness during the Muharram days.
The DC also asked the concerned Departments to take immediate measures for cleanliness and desilting of drains in Zadibal, Alamgari Bazar, Madain Sahib Hawal and other routes leading to Imambaras and through which Muharram processions will pass so that people do not face any difficulty.
Similarly, in order to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supplies particularly in Shia populated areas, the DC passed on spot directions to concerned Officers for making all arrangements. He also asked Executive Engineer PHE to keep provision of water tanker supply wherever required.
The Traffic authorities were also impressed upon ensuring smooth movement of traffic enroute to the Muharrum processions particularly on 7, 9 and 10th of Muharram. They were also asked to maintain proper coordination with the Police Department.
The DC also enjoined upon the officers to keep proper vigil on prices of essential commodities and conduct intensified market checking to avoid profiteering and hoardings.
At Hasanabad Imambara, the DC holds a meeting with the concerned leaders of the Community and took stock of the similar arrangements and asked officers to complete all arrangements well before the start of the Holy month. He also asked the LCMA authorities to take up immediate work for the levelling of Auqaf Bagh besides other cleanliness measures.
Meanwhile, the DC also visited the Shrine of Mir Shams-ud-din Muhammad Araqi at Zadibal to oversee the arrangements being made for the smooth observance of Muharram.
During the series of meetings, the DC was presented detailed charter of demands which was listened by him patiently and necessary instructions were given to all the concerned Departments to fulfil them well before the commencement of Muharram
Later, the Deputy Commissioner undertook a comprehensive visit to Mir Behri Dal, the interiors of densely populated Shia areas.
