Srinagar, June 6: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with senior officers and stakeholders to review preparations for the forthcoming Muharram-ul-Haram and ensure smooth, peaceful observance of religious rituals and processions across the Valley.

The meeting focused on civic, infrastructural, logistical and administrative arrangements, with emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and continuous engagement with community representatives.
MLA Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi raised key issues, including uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply, road repairs and macadamization, functional street lighting, and deployment of medical staff at major religious venues. Representatives of various associations also highlighted the need for improved sanitation, fumigation drives, availability of essential supplies such as firewood, ration and LPG, along with measures to address stray dog concerns.
They also called for better traffic management, designated parking areas, shuttle services for mourners, and streamlined permissions for religious events.
The Divisional Commissioner directed all Deputy Commissioners and departments to designate nodal officers and share contact details with community representatives to ensure prompt coordination and resolution of issues. Deputy Director Planning, Divisional Commissioner’s Office, was appointed as the divisional nodal officer for monitoring arrangements.
He instructed district administrations to prepare detailed checklists of requirements and ensure priority resolution of short-term issues, while long-term concerns are incorporated into future planning.
Departments were asked to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply, with additional water tankers to be deployed in high-demand areas. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) were directed to maintain essential services throughout the period.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and other local bodies were instructed to carry out special cleanliness drives around Imambaras, congregation sites and procession routes, along with intensified waste management measures before and after events.
The Health Department was asked to deploy adequate medical teams, ambulances and emergency response units, particularly in Srinagar and Budgam. The Police and security agencies were directed to ensure foolproof security arrangements in coordination with civil administration.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment, the Divisional Commissioner urged all departments to complete preparations in advance and ensure smooth, safe and hassle-free observance of Muharram-ul-Haram across the Valley.