CM Omar chairs high-level review of Muharram preparations across J&K

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma; legislators, representatives of Shia organisations, clerics, civil society members and community leaders. President of the All J&K Shia Association Imran Raza Ansari also participated in the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said preparations for Muharram had been underway for a considerable period and that the purpose of the meeting was to assess progress and identify any gaps that needed to be addressed.

“The preparations for Muharram have not started today. Extensive groundwork has already been undertaken at the district, divisional and departmental levels. This meeting provides an opportunity to collectively review the arrangements, assess what has been accomplished and ensure that whatever remains is completed well in time,” he said.

Abdullah noted that Deputy Commissioners, elected representatives, community leaders and departmental officers had already conducted extensive consultations at the grassroots level. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all arrangements are made in a coordinated and efficient manner.

During the meeting, special emphasis was laid on ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Responding to concerns raised by public representatives and community leaders, the Chief Minister directed the Power Development Department to ensure regular electricity supply at all major congregation venues and procession routes.

He stressed the need for adequate backup arrangements, including generators and battery-inverter systems, and directed that generators be deployed at key congregation points to prevent any disruption. He also asked the concerned departments to explore the feasibility of rooftop solar installations at major Imambaras across Jammu and Kashmir.

Reviewing drinking water arrangements, Abdullah directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure an uninterrupted supply of potable water in all affected areas. He emphasised that water tankers deployed during Muharram should provide clean drinking water and that static distribution points be established wherever tanker movement may be difficult or where large gatherings are expected.

The Chief Minister also reviewed sanitation measures and directed Urban Local Bodies to intensify cleaning operations around Imambaras, procession routes and major congregation venues.

He instructed the authorities to deploy additional manpower wherever required and ensure continuous sanitation services throughout the Muharram period. Referring to earlier directions, he called for close coordination between municipal authorities and the Fire and Emergency Services Department to facilitate road washing and cleaning through high-pressure fire tenders wherever necessary.

On health preparedness, Abdullah directed the Health and Medical Education Department to deploy adequate medical personnel, ambulances, critical-care ambulances, emergency response teams and medical camps at strategic locations.

He stressed that all healthcare arrangements should remain fully operational throughout Muharram to provide timely medical assistance whenever required.

Reviewing road infrastructure, the Chief Minister directed the Roads and Buildings Department to undertake repairs and fill potholes along procession routes and in areas expected to witness large gatherings.

Acknowledging challenges in macadamisation works due to disruptions in the supply chain, he nevertheless stressed that roads should be levelled and made safe wherever full macadamisation is not immediately feasible.

The Chief Minister further emphasised accountability and responsiveness among nodal officers designated for Muharram arrangements. He directed all nodal officers to remain accessible to the public and available round the clock for prompt grievance redressal.

During the meeting, Abdullah assured participants that the government would consider a dedicated allocation in next year’s Budget to strengthen Muharram-related infrastructure and arrangements. He said such a provision would enable departments to undertake preparatory works well in advance and facilitate the smooth conduct of Muharram across Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, legislators, representatives of Shia organisations, clerics, civil society members and community leaders highlighted issues related to electricity supply, drinking water, road connectivity, sanitation, healthcare facilities and other public services.

The Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu also gave detailed presentations on the arrangements being made in their respective divisions.

The meeting was informed that extensive field visits, public outreach programmes and inter-departmental coordination meetings are already underway to ensure the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram across Jammu and Kashmir.