In preparation for the upcoming festival of Eid-ul-Adha, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review and finalize arrangements to ensure the smooth and peaceful celebration of the occasion across the valley.
During the meeting, Bidhuri directed the Chief Engineer, KPDCL to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, particularly at major religious sites including Aasar-i-Sharief Hazratbal, Kalashpora, Jenab Sahab Soura, Ziyarat Sharief Kabamarg, Khiram and Makhama in Anantnag, and Aham Sharief in Bandipora.
He also stressed on ensuring continuous supply of clean drinking water and prompt redressal of any water-related issues, especially in areas expecting large congregations.
Regarding essential commodities, the Div Com instructed the FCS&CA Department to maintain an adequate supply of essentials such as rice, flour, sugar, mutton, and poultry. He called for intensified market inspections to prevent hoarding, overpricing, and sale of substandard goods, ensuring fair pricing and consumer protection during the festival period.
In view of the high demand for sacrificial animals, he directed the Director of Sheep Husbandry to ensure their availability across the Valley to meet public needs.
To maintain public hygiene and uphold the spirit of festivity, Bidhuri emphasized conducting special sanitation drives, especially in and around shrines, mosques, marketplaces, and residential areas.
The Traffic Department was directed to ensure smooth vehicular movement near religious sites and marketplaces, while also deploying adequate public transport on key routes to facilitate Eid prayers.
For emergency preparedness, Bidhuri instructed the Health Department to deploy medical teams at major shrines and mosques. He also called for the deployment of fire tenders and security personnel at all congregation sites to ensure safety and emergency response readiness.
Additionally, the Div Com directed for the installation of water posts and deployment of water tankers at key shrines, particularly Hazratbal, to support the large number of devotees expected to attend Eid prayers.
The meeting also reviewed the preparations for the Mela Kheer Bhawani, with instructions to officers to ensure all arrangements are in place for its successful observance.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, and senior officials from the departments of Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, FCS&CA, Health, KPDCL, PHE, SMC, PWD, Fire & Emergency Services, ULB, Wakf Board, and Legal Metrology.