Pulwama, July 17: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom on Monday chaired a meeting of district officers and Shia religious and community leaders here to review the arrangements to be put in place for ensuing Muharram-ul-Haram starting from July 20.
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.
The DC directed Block Development Officers and Executive Officers (EOs) of MCs to repair all dysfunctional streetlights including High Mass lights around Imambaras and make them functional well before the important days of Muharram. He stressed on ensuring cleanliness of lanes and drains inside the compounds of Imambaras, shrines and procession routes. He asked them to enhance manpower for ensuring proper cleanliness during the Muharram days.
Similarly, the SFC department was directed to dump the required quantity of firewood at already identified locations as per the past practice.
In order to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supplies particularly in the Shia populated areas, the DC passed on-the-spot directions to concerned officers for making fool-proof arrangements. He also asked Executive Engineer PHE to keep provision of water tanker supply wherever required. SE, PDD Pulwama was instructed to ensure uninterrupted Power supply during the Muharram period and avoid load shedding, especially during evening and night time.
All ADCs and Tehsildars were directed to remain in contact with all religious heads of Imambaras of the district and hold regular meetings with them for any sort of support and ensure that the Muharram processions are taken out in a peaceful environment. He stressed upon officers to visit the procession routes to take stock of public facilities available during Muharram.
The meeting was attended by SP Awantipora, Additional SP Pulwama, ADC, Superintendent Engineers and Executive Engineers PDD/Jal Shakti, Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, ACD/ACP Pulwama and other sectoral officers of the district. Shia religious leaders and public representatives from different areas of Pulwama also attended the meeting and put forth their demands before the Deputy Commissioner.
