Srinagar, Feb 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements for the holy month of Ramadan across Jammu and Kashmir, directing all departments to ensure uninterrupted public services and coordinated action during the fasting month.
Stressing the need for proactive governance, the Chief Minister, as per the details collected by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), asked officials to ensure seamless delivery of essential services, effective grievance redressal and special arrangements at major mosques, shrines and other congregation points to facilitate a peaceful and comfortable Ramadan for the people.
Stressing intensified sanitation drives, particularly around major places of worship, the CM directed authorities to increase the frequency of garbage collection and maintain cleanliness throughout the month.
Highlighting the importance of uninterrupted electricity, especially during Sehri and Iftar hours, CM Omar directed the Power Development Department to ensure proper planning of curtailments, if unavoidable and undertake timely maintenance of transformer banks.
He also ordered the designation of nodal officers to monitor power supply.
Reviewing drinking water arrangements, the Chief Minister instructed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure seamless supply, including deployment of water tankers well before Iftar in water-scarce areas so that people can break their fast without inconvenience.
The Chief Minister also stresses on ensuring adequate availability of essential commodities such as rice, atta, sugar, LPG, poultry, vegetables and fish.
He further ordered strict market checking to curb hoarding, black marketing and profiteering and directed proper display of rate lists to ensure fair pricing.
He also directed priority distribution of aid to underprivileged families, widows and orphans and called for strict monitoring of donation collections to prevent fraud and ensure genuine welfare support.
Directing heightened healthcare preparedness, CM Omar asked the Health & Medical Education Department to ensure deployment of doctors, paramedics and staff during Iftar hours, noting that staff shortages during this time often leave patients unattended.
“Emergency medical arrangements and ambulance services at major congregation sites were also reviewed.”
On transport, particularly RTC services and e-buses, the Chief Minister directed preparation of proper rosters, observing that public transport availability dips around Iftar timings.
He also stressed ensuring adequate services for commuters.
For public safety, the meeting was informed that security arrangements would be strengthened through round-the-clock patrolling, anti-sabotage checks and enhanced crowd management, especially during Friday prayers.
“Fire tenders will be stationed at prominent locations, while traffic regulation around major mosques and religious places will be intensified to prevent congestion.”
The Chief Minister also reiterated that all departments must work in close coordination to ensure smooth arrangements across Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on sanitation, uninterrupted utilities, essential supplies, healthcare readiness, security and traffic management.
Notably, the meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, senior administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, inspectors general of police, deputy commissioners and other senior officers, while district officials joined through video conferencing. (KNO)
