Srinagar, Aug 18: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather today reviewed arrangements for the forthcoming Urs of Hazrat Sultan Ali Aali Balkhi (RA) at Pakherpora, directing departments to ensure adequate civic amenities, uninterrupted essential services and smooth crowd management for devotees.

Chairing a meeting with senior officers, Rather stressed advance preparedness and close inter-departmental coordination in view of the large congregation expected during the Urs.
He directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted potable water and power supply, with temporary drinking-water points, water tankers and adequate lighting arrangements kept ready throughout the event.
The Health Department was asked to deploy medical teams, first-aid stations and ambulances at strategic locations, besides ensuring sufficient stocks of essential medicines and emergency supplies.
Reviewing sanitation arrangements, Rather called for adequate toilets, waste bins and sanitation personnel, with regular cleaning and timely disposal of waste in and around the shrine and congregation areas.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department was directed to ensure timely ration distribution to local residents and assess the need for an additional quota during the Urs.
The Speaker also called for strict market inspections to check food hygiene, prices, weights and measures and prevent overcharging or other malpractices by shopkeepers and temporary vendors.
On traffic management, he directed authorities to ensure adequate public transport, designated parking and drop-off points and effective regulation of traffic, while keeping routes clear for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
Rather emphasised that all departments must clearly define their responsibilities and maintain round-the-clock readiness to ensure a safe, clean and hassle-free experience for devotees and local residents.
Earlier, the Speaker kick-started ₹40-lakh upgradation and blacktopping works on inner link roads at Takiya Hayatpora.
He said improved road connectivity remains a key government priority, noting that better roads facilitate access to healthcare, education, markets and other essential services while improving the overall quality of life.