Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday reviewed arrangements and traffic management plans for the upcoming Muharram processions and the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Srinagar, the LG assessed preparedness across departments for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram throughout Jammu and Kashmir. He directed senior officials to ensure seamless security arrangements, effective traffic regulation, maintenance of law and order, and timely availability of public amenities.
Sinha stressed close coordination among all stakeholder departments to ensure efficient and uninterrupted delivery of essential services during the religious observances. He also instructed officials to remain actively present on the ground for real-time monitoring and swift grievance redressal.
“Senior officers must remain available on the ground and maintain constant monitoring to ensure prompt response to any situation. All arrangements should be made with utmost sensitivity and efficiency,” the LG said.
Reviewing essential services, he directed uninterrupted power and potable water supply, adequate sanitation, medical facilities, and deployment of ambulances as well as fire and emergency services along procession routes.
The LG also directed the Inspector General of Traffic to implement a comprehensive traffic management plan for both Muharram processions and the Amarnath Yatra, ensuring smooth movement of pilgrims, processions, and general traffic. He asked for enhanced coordination among field officers and awareness regarding traffic SOPs, cut-off timings, and related advisories. He also called for increasing RFID facilitation counters for pilgrims.
Officials briefed the meeting on arrangements already put in place. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg apprised the LG about departmental preparedness for peaceful observance of Muharram.
Senior officials including the Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and top administrative and police officers attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, Srinagar city has been fully geared up for the 8th Muharram procession scheduled for Wednesday along the traditional Guru Bazar–Dalgate route via Budshah Kadal and M.A. Road. Authorities have deployed extensive arrangements including security grid reinforcement, traffic regulation, sanitation, medical aid, and emergency response systems.
The administration has also issued detailed traffic advisories, with restrictions and diversions planned from early morning hours to ensure smooth passage of the procession. Dedicated parking sites and vehicle cut-off points have been established, while commuters have been advised to avoid movement along M.A. Road during procession hours.
Authorities have imposed strict conditions, including a ban on provocative sloganeering, anti-national speeches, display of banned symbols, and use of drones. Organisers have been directed to ensure adherence to approved routes and timelines, with full cooperation to security agencies.
Separately, Shia religious leaders have renewed their demand for allowing the 10th
