SRINAGAR, June 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements being put in place for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram-2026 across Jammu and Kashmir, directing all departments to ensure seamless delivery of essential services and effective coordination.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, legislators, representatives of Shia organisations, clerics, civil society members and senior government officers. Deputy Commissioners and officials from outside Srinagar joined through virtual mode.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said preparations for Muharram had been underway for a considerable period and the purpose of the review was to assess progress and bridge any remaining gaps.
“The preparations for Muharram have not started today. Extensive groundwork has already been undertaken at the district, divisional and departmental levels. This meeting provides an opportunity to collectively review the arrangements and ensure that whatever remains is completed well in time,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Omar Abdullah said all efforts would be made to ensure that devotees do not face inconvenience during the mourning period.
The Chief Minister directed the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at major congregation venues and procession routes. He stressed the need for adequate backup arrangements, including generators and battery-inverter systems, and called for generators to be stationed at major congregation points. He also asked the concerned departments to explore the possibility of rooftop solarisation of major Imambaras across Jammu and Kashmir.
Reviewing drinking water arrangements, he instructed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure uninterrupted supply of potable water in all affected areas. He said only clean drinking water should be supplied through tankers and directed the establishment of static water distribution points at locations where tanker movement may be difficult or where large gatherings are expected.
On sanitation, the Chief Minister asked Urban Local Bodies to intensify cleanliness drives around Imambaras, procession routes and major congregation sites. He directed deployment of additional manpower wherever required and stressed the need for uninterrupted sanitation services throughout Muharram. He also called for close coordination with the Fire and Emergency Services Department for road washing and cleaning using high-pressure fire tenders.
Reviewing healthcare preparedness, Omar Abdullah directed the Health and Medical Education Department to deploy adequate medical personnel, ambulances, critical care ambulances, emergency response teams and medical camps at strategic locations to ensure timely assistance during Muharram.
The Chief Minister also reviewed traffic management plans and instructed the Traffic Police and Civil Administration to ensure smooth movement of processions while minimising inconvenience to commuters, tourists and the general public. He emphasised coordinated planning and effective deployment of traffic personnel at critical junctions.
Directing the Roads and Buildings Department to undertake urgent repairs and fill potholes along procession routes, he said roads should be levelled and made safe even where complete macadamisation may not be immediately possible due to supply-chain constraints.
Emphasising accountability, the Chief Minister directed all designated nodal officers to remain accessible to the public and available round-the-clock for prompt grievance redressal. He announced that the Chief Minister’s Secretariat would also monitor Muharram arrangements and oversee the implementation of departmental responsibilities while reviewing public complaints.
He further assured participants that the government would consider a dedicated allocation in the next Budget to strengthen Muharram-related infrastructure and arrangements, enabling departments to begin preparations well in advance.
During the meeting, legislators, representatives of Shia organisations, clerics and civil society members raised issues related to electricity, drinking water, roads, sanitation, healthcare and other public services.
The Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu made detailed presentations on preparations in their respective divisions, covering procession routes, consultations with stakeholders, inter-departmental coordination, deployment of nodal officers, healthcare preparedness, traffic and security management, municipal services, road repairs, power and water supply, availability of essential commodities and contingency planning.
The meeting was informed that extensive field visits, public outreach programmes and inter-departmental coordination meetings are already underway to ensure the smooth, peaceful and efficient observance of Muharram-2026 across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNC)
