Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 16

The government is considering creating a dedicated budgetary allocation for Muharram-related arrangements from the next financial year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday as the administration intensified preparations for one of the region’s largest annual religious observances.

The proposal, if approved, would mark the first time a separate budget provision is earmarked specifically for Muharram infrastructure and public service requirements in the Union Territory.

The announcement came during a high-level review meeting attended by ministers, legislators, senior civil and police officials, religious scholars and representatives of various Shia organisations ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram, which begins in Jammu and Kashmir on June 17.

Officials present at the meeting said Abdullah directed departments to complete all pending works before major processions and congregations commence, stressing the need for seamless coordination among agencies responsible for power, water, healthcare, sanitation and traffic management.

“The preparations for Muharram have not started today. Extensive groundwork has already been undertaken at the district, divisional and departmental levels. This review is intended to ensure that all remaining works are completed well in advance,” Abdullah said.

Government officials said the chief minister informed participants that a dedicated budget could enable departments to undertake preparatory works months in advance rather than relying on ad hoc allocations.

Such a mechanism, officials said, would help improve planning and execution of civic services required during the mourning period.

Power supply emerged as one of the principal issues discussed during the meeting.

Abdullah directed the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity at major congregation venues, imambaras and along procession routes.

Officials said the chief minister also instructed authorities to establish adequate backup systems, including generators and inverter facilities, to prevent disruptions during key events.

In a longer-term initiative, he asked departments to examine the feasibility of rooftop solar installations at major imambaras across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jal Shakti Department was directed to guarantee uninterrupted drinking water supply in areas expected to witness large gatherings.

Authorities were instructed to deploy water tankers and establish additional drinking water distribution points wherever necessary.

The administration also ordered intensified sanitation measures across major congregation sites.

Officials said Urban Local Bodies would conduct special cleanliness drives around imambaras and procession routes and deploy additional manpower where required.

Healthcare preparedness formed another major component of the review.

Abdullah directed the Health and Medical Education Department to position medical teams, ambulances, critical-care ambulances and emergency response units at strategic locations.

Medical camps would also be established in areas expected to witness large gatherings, officials said.

Traffic management plans were reviewed in detail, with authorities seeking to balance religious processions with the movement of residents, tourists and commercial traffic.

The chief minister directed traffic police and district administrations to prepare comprehensive diversion plans while minimising inconvenience to the public.

The Roads and Buildings Department was instructed to repair damaged stretches and fill potholes along major procession routes.

Officials acknowledged delays in some road resurfacing projects due to supply-chain disruptions but said directions had been issued to ensure roads are levelled and made safe even where full macadamisation could not be completed immediately.

To strengthen accountability, Abdullah directed all designated nodal officers to remain available round-the-clock during Muharram and ensure prompt resolution of public grievances.

Officials said the Chief Minister’s Secretariat would directly monitor arrangements and review complaints received from the public.

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 and several legislators, including representatives from constituencies with significant Shia populations.

Separately, the School Education Department announced that government and recognised private schools across Kashmir would not conduct internal, term or in-house examinations between June 23 and June 27.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the decision followed public representations and requests from elected representatives seeking accommodation for students participating in Muharram observances.

Officials said the move was intended to prevent academic disruptions caused by traffic restrictions and enable students to participate in religious events without affecting their studies.