Srinagar, Feb 18: Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements for the holy month of Ramadhan across Jammu and Kashmir.
Stressing the need for smooth public services during the sacred month, the Chief Minister directed all departments to take proactive steps to ensure the convenience and welfare of the people.
He called for intensified sanitation drives across J&K, particularly around major mosques, shrines and other congregation points. Authorities were asked to increase the frequency of garbage collection and maintain cleanliness throughout Ramadhan.
The Chief Minister instructed departments to ensure seamless delivery of public services, effective grievance redressal mechanisms and proper arrangements at major places of worship so that people can observe Ramadhan in a peaceful and comfortable environment.
He directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply, availability of essential commodities, strict market regulation, healthcare preparedness and adequate security measures across the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra; ACS to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; ACS Public Works (R&B) Anil Kumar Singh; senior officers from Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, General Administration and Information Departments; Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu; Inspectors General of Police of both zones; Secretaries of Health & Medical Education and Transport; IG Traffic J&K; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation; Director Information; and heads of key departments. All Deputy Commissioners and SSPs participated via video conferencing.
Commissioner Secretary GAD/Information M. Raju gave a detailed presentation on the preparedness for Ramadhan.
Highlighting the importance of uninterrupted electricity, especially during Sehri and Iftar, the Chief Minister directed the Power Development Department to plan curtailments carefully, if unavoidable, and ensure timely maintenance of transformer banks. He also asked for the designation of nodal officers to monitor power supply.
The meeting also reviewed drinking water arrangements. The Chief Minister directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure uninterrupted supply, including deployment of water tankers in water-scarce areas well before Iftar so that people can break their fast without inconvenience.
He emphasised the availability of essential commodities such as rice, atta, sugar, LPG, poultry, vegetables, fish and other daily necessities. Strict market checks were ordered to curb hoarding, black marketing and profiteering, and to ensure proper display of rate lists.
On security, officials informed that round-the-clock patrolling, anti-sabotage checks and effective crowd management will be strengthened, particularly during Friday prayers. Fire tenders will be stationed at key locations, and traffic management plans will be put in place around mosques and major religious sites to prevent congestion.
Health services will remain on high alert during Ramadhan, with emergency medical facilities and ambulances deployed at major congregation points. The Chief Minister directed the Health & Medical Education Department to ensure adequate staff presence during Iftar hours, noting that staff shortages during these timings should be avoided.
He also called for priority assistance to underprivileged families, widows and orphans, and directed strict monitoring of donation collections to prevent fraud and ensure genuine welfare support.
Regarding transport, including RTC services and e-buses, the Chief Minister instructed preparation of proper rosters, observing that many vehicles go off the roads during Iftar. He stressed the need to maintain adequate public transport services for commuters.
Reiterating the importance of coordination among all departments, the Chief Minister said sanitation, essential supplies, uninterrupted utilities, healthcare readiness, security and traffic management must be ensured across Jammu and Kashmir for the smooth observance of Ramadhan. (Agency)
