Ensure hassle-free Ramadhan for people: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Mar 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Ramadhan for the people.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the arrangements made for the holy month of Ramadan, which commences Sunday, CM Omar emphasised that people rightfully expect their elected government to take all necessary measures to ensure they do not face any inconvenience during this sacred month.

“As the holy month of Ramadhan begins on Sunday, people rightfully expect the government to take all necessary measures to ensure they do not face any difficulties during this sacred month,” he said.

The CM stressed that key departments under pressure must deliver service – particularly the power supply - which must be prioritised.

“People want, and we must strive, to ensure that there are no power outages during Sehri and Iftaar time. Any necessary shutdowns should be well-planned and curtailment could be made during the daytime as per a proper schedule. The maintenance works, wherever required, be also taken up during the day time,” he instructed.

CM Omar directed officials to immediately address system issues or faulty distribution transformers (DTs) to avoid disruptions.

On water supply, he said that the recent spell of snow and rainfall had helped improve the situation but stressed the need for supply of adequate potable water to households.

“By the grace of Allah, the recent rainfall over the past few days has been beneficial in this regard,” the CM said.

He also directed officials to focus on cleanliness, particularly around Masjids, shrines, traffic management, and making security arrangements.

CM Omar said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, and IGP Jammu had addressed the security concerns.

To enhance public service delivery, he directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to set up fully staffed and operational district control rooms to promptly address grievances.

“Our collective effort should be to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Ramadan for the people. It is our responsibility to put all necessary arrangements in place,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Education Shantamanu, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, all Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, IGP Kashmir and Jammu, DCs, Commissioner JMC, MDs of KPDCL and JPDCL, and heads of key departments and Joint Director SMC.

Earlier, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Bidhuri, presented a detailed report on the arrangements in place for the holy month.

The meeting was informed about the electricity demand during peak hours, particularly at Sehri and Iftaar, water supply, sanitation around religious and significant public places, ration distribution for March, traffic deployment plans, Police security arrangements, food safety, and joint market inspections.