Rajouri, March 22: In a significant step towards enhancing facilities for devotees, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Saturday inaugurated several new amenities at the revered Shahdra Sharief Shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah.
She also chaired a high-level meeting with the Rajouri district administration to assess preparations for the upcoming religious observances of Eid-ul-Fitr, Juma-tul-Vida, and Lailat-ul-Qadr.
Dr Andrabi, accompanied by CEO of J&K Waqf Board Zaheer Ahmed Kaifi, Administrator Waqf Board Rajouri Abdul Qayoom Mir, and other officials, paid obeisance at the shrine and took stock of the ongoing developmental works. To improve facilities for pilgrims, she inaugurated an automated roti maker and utensil cleaner at the shrine’s langar kitchen, aimed at ensuring hygiene and efficiency in food preparation. Additionally, the entire shrine premises and langar halls, including separate sections for men and women, were freshly carpeted. Speaking to the media, Dr Andrabi credited accountability and transparency for the remarkable improvements at the shrine. “This is a revered site and we are committed to upgrading its facilities to better serve devotees,” she said. Officials assured her that all ongoing works would be completed at the earliest. Following her visit to the shrine, Dr Andrabi chaired a crucial meeting at Dak Bungalow, Rajouri, with key administrative officers to ensure smooth preparations for the approaching Eid-ul-Fitr, Juma-tul-Vida, and Lailat-ul-Qadr. The meeting covered essential services such as water supply, electricity, sanitation, security, and traffic management to ensure seamless observance of these important religious occasions. Discussions also focused on ration distribution, market regulation, and medical preparedness, including the deployment of ambulances and Mobile Medical Units. Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Rajouri, Mohd Jahangir Khan, provided a detailed update on the arrangements being made by the district administration. Dr Andrabi emphasised the need for swift repairs of potholes on the road leading to the shrine, stressing that all necessary measures must be taken to prevent inconvenience to devotees. “The Waqf Board is working tirelessly to improve facilities at all shrines, ensuring a better experience for the general public,” she said.
