Hakeem seeks proper arrangements for Urs Hazrat Sultan Ali Aali Balkhi (RA)

Budgam, Aug 10: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, has called for comprehensive arrangements to be made for the annual Urs of Hazrat Sultan Ali Aali Balkhi (RA) at Pakherpora in central district Budgam, which will commence on August 17. The event will include Poshak Bandi on the opening day, with Shab Khawani scheduled for August 19, 2024.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem called for uninterrupted power and drinking water supply in Pakherpora and surrounding areas to ensure the convenience of devotees. He requested that mobile water tankers be readily available to address any emergencies. Additionally, he urged the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to carry out necessary repairs on all roads leading to the Pakharpora shrine from both the Budgam and Pulwama sides.
The former minister also called for the installation of street lighting in the lanes of Pakherpora and the illumination of the shrine complex during the Urs Sharief. “The administration must ensure sufficient stocks and the supply of essential commodities, including rice, atta, sugar, cooking gas, and kerosene oil, for consumers during the Urs days,” he said, adding that an additional ration quota for local consumers must be ensured to meet the increased demand due to the heavy influx of devotees.
To prevent illegal profiteering, hoarding, and black market activities by unscrupulous traders, Yaseen urged the activation of market checking squads in Pakherpora. “The district administration must ensure the availability of an adequate number of passenger vehicles for the hassle-free transportation of devotees visiting the shrine,” he said. “These vehicles must be readily available from Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Chadoora, and Srinagar to Pakherpora and vice versa.”
The PDF Chief called on the Chief Medical Officer of Budgam to set up medical first aid centres at various key locations en route to Pakherpora during the Urs days to handle any emergencies. He urged officers from urban local bodies to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness in Pakherpora town and that the shrine premises remain clean and free of garbage.