Kashmir Appoints Nodal Officers for Muharram Arrangements Across Valley | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir administration has appointed nodal officers across all districts and key government departments to oversee arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 Hijri/2026 and ensure the smooth conduct of religious processions and gatherings across the Valley.

An order issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, designated senior officers for Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian districts to coordinate Muharram-related preparations and facilitate the prompt resolution of public grievances.

Nodal officers have also been nominated from departments including Rural Development, Health Services, Urban Local Bodies, Roads and Buildings, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Jal Shakti, RTC Kashmir, LCMA, Forest and Transport.

The officers will monitor the provision of essential services such as electricity, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, transport and road connectivity during Muharram observances.

Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, Deputy Director in the Divisional Commissioner’s office, has been appointed as the divisional-level nodal officer for overall coordination.

The move follows a high-level review meeting chaired by the Divisional Commissioner in Srinagar to assess preparedness for Muharram. The meeting was attended by senior officials and stakeholders, who discussed civic, infrastructural, logistical and administrative arrangements required for the peaceful observance of religious rituals and processions.

During the meeting, MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi raised concerns relating to uninterrupted water and power supply, road repairs, street lighting and medical facilities in Shia-majority areas. Stakeholders also sought enhanced sanitation measures, fumigation, traffic management, parking facilities, water tankers, ration and LPG supplies, and improved public transport arrangements.

The Divisional Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioners to designate district-level nodal officers, share contact details with the public and prepare district-specific checklists to address immediate issues. Departments concerned were instructed to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply, strengthen sanitation measures and deploy medical teams and ambulances at key locations during the observance.