Associated News Bureau

LG Reviews Muharram Preparedness, Orders Comprehensive Traffic Plan for Muharram and Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, June 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the observance of Muharram across Jammu and Kashmir, directing officials to ensure robust security, efficient traffic management, uninterrupted essential services and effective coordination among all departments. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior administrative secretaries, police officers, divisional commissioners, municipal commissioners and other senior officials. During the review, the Lieutenant Governor instructed officials to make comprehensive arrangements for maintaining law and order, ensuring seamless traffic regulation and providing all necessary public amenities during Muharram. Emphasising inter-departmental coordination, he said all stakeholder departments must work in close coordination to ensure timely and efficient delivery of services. Reviewing the availability of essential services, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure uninterrupted power and potable water supply, adequate sanitation, medical facilities, ambulances and the deployment of fire and emergency response teams along procession routes. He also instructed senior officers to remain present on the ground for real-time monitoring and prompt redressal of public grievances. “All arrangements should be made with utmost sensitivity and efficiency. Senior officers must remain available on the ground and maintain constant monitoring to ensure prompt response to any situation,” the Lieutenant Governor said. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg briefed the meeting on the preparations made by various departments for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram. The Lieutenant Governor also directed the Inspector General of Police (Traffic) to implement a comprehensive traffic management plan for both Muharram and the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra to facilitate the smooth movement of processions, pilgrims and the general public. The IGP Traffic was asked to hold coordination meetings with field officers and other stakeholder agencies to ensure effective implementation of the traffic management plan. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to enhance public awareness regarding traffic standard operating procedures (SOPs) and cut-off timings, while increasing the number of RFID card counters to facilitate devotees undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.