Manzoor-ul-Hassan
Srinagar, Jul 08 : While the Islamic New Year commenced on Monday, the government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure round-the-clock facilities in the Shia-dominated areas.
The Kashmir Power Distribution Company Limited (KPDCL) has confirmed that the areas that have a significant Shia population will not face any power curtailment during the holy month of Muharram.
The Chief Engineer (Distribution), Sandeep Seth told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the corporation will ensure uninterrupted electricity in the Shia-dominated areas to facilitate mourners during the month of Muharram.
“I have directed all the concerned Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers not to do any power curtailments in these areas during the Muharram month,” he said.
Similarly, the Jal Shakti department has made elaborate arrangements for the people during the Muharram month. “We have made a contingency plan for the devotees in and around Imambaras. Additional water posts have also been set up in Shia areas,” said Chief Engineer Vivek Kohli.
Additionally, the department will deploy water tankers for the mourners during the Muharram processions, Kohli said.
In Srinagar district alone, Rs 34.00 lakh has been spent on 23 works for additional water supply arrangements in different Shia dominating areas.
Notably, the directives come days after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the Civil Secretariat to review arrangements for Muharram.
Besides, uninterrupted water and power supply, he directed the district administrations and senior officials to ensure improved road connectivity to Imambaras, proper cleanliness and sanitation measures, particularly in and around Imambaras, and advance distribution of ration and other amenities as required.
The Lt Governor also directed officials to make elaborate arrangements regarding security, smooth traffic management, and medical facilities at prominent religious places and gatherings—(KNO)
