SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review and finalise arrangements for the upcoming holy month of Muharram.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring efficient and comprehensive arrangements. “We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts, and there should be no shortcoming from our side,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that administrative attention must go beyond the first ten days. “The rituals and religious observances span two months and eight days. The government must remain responsive even beyond the 10th day,” he stressed.
Given that Muharram this year coincides with the Amarnath Yatra, the Chief Minister highlighted the need for heightened coordination. He announced the appointment of a Secretary-level Nodal Officer—independent of the Divisional Commissioner—to coordinate inter-departmental efforts and oversee arrangements across the Union Territory.
Key areas identified during the meeting included water supply, electricity, ration and firewood distribution, sanitation, and health services. The Chief Minister directed uninterrupted water supply through tankers and storage tanks at designated locations. The Power Development Department was asked to ensure continuous electricity and install high-mast lights at major congregation points.
The Food Department, in coordination with the FCI, was instructed to ensure timely ration availability, with firewood distribution prioritised in rural areas. The Health Department and municipal bodies were asked to intensify sanitation efforts and ensure healthcare services at key sites. Fire and Emergency Services will use high-pressure water canons to clean congregation areas.
The newly appointed Nodal Officer will coordinate with departments and districts and submit regular reports to avoid any lapses. Earlier, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, presented an overview of the arrangements, covering power, water, ration, sanitation, and infrastructure readiness in Shia-majority areas.
The meeting also discussed macadamisation, street lighting, road repairs, and other civic needs. Legislators and religious leaders provided feedback and suggestions to further improve the preparedness.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; administrative secretaries; the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla and Jammu; Members of the Legislative Assembly; senior officials from line departments; and prominent heads of Shia and religious organisations. Officers from other stations participated via video conference.
