BANDIPORA: Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department and Panchyati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar today conducted a comprehensive review of the arrangements being put in place for Muharram at Sumbal, Bandipora.

The meeting was attended by MLA Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone; Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri and HoDs, senior officials from line departments besides representatives from various Shia associations and delegations.

While addressing the meeting, the Minister emphasized the need for timely execution of all essential services. He stressed the inter-departmental coordination to ensure peaceful, safe and successful conduct of religious events during Muharram. He directed all the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply, adequate health facilities, proper sanitation and traffic management across all major congregation points. He exhorted upon the Fire & Emergency Services to remain on alert and fully equipped throughout the Muharram period.

The Minister reiterated the government's commitment towards extending all necessary support to ensure smooth arrangements at the grassroots level.

During the interaction, various religious leaders and community members put forth their concerns regarding essential services. These included adequate supply of electricity and drinking water, macadamization of roads, installation of Solar Lights, availability and distribution of ration and regulation of religious processions.

The Minister assured that all genuine grievances would be addressed on priority. He directed the officials for continuous monitoring to ensure seamless public service delivery.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Manzoor Ahmad Qadri briefed that a comprehensive plan is being put in place to facilitate peaceful and smooth conduct of religious events. He informed that a control room has been established for round-the-clock grievance redressal and coordination.

Later, Javid Dar inaugurated High-Density Orchard (Mother Block) developed by the Horticulture Department at Shilvat, Sumbal at a cost of ₹19.69 lakh.

The Minister inspected major Water Supply Schemes at Shadipora and Shilvat developed by the Jal Shakti Department. He was informed that the Water Supply Scheme at Shadipora has been implemented at a project cost of ₹638.69 lakh while the Shilvat WSS project is worth ₹656.12 lakh.

He commended the district administration for effective implementation of key infrastructure development projects.

He called upon all the departments to maintain momentum in achieving 100 percent saturation under centrally sponsored schemes and welfare programs.