HYDERABAD: Arrangements for the 765th Urs of Qalandar Lal Shahbaz next month were discussed at a meeting chaired by Jamshoro Deputy Commissioner Munawwar Ali Mahesar, who is also chairman of the “mela committee”. The Urs is scheduled to be observed between 18th to 20th Shaaban.

The meeting was attended by SSP Tanvir Alam Odho and officers of the various provincial government departments concerned.

Addressing the participants, the DC said that besides finalisation of other arrangements, provision of security for devotees and visitors was very important in view of prevailing conditions.

He said that more than 150 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were to be installed, deployment of Rangers and police was to be doubled and intelligence network was to be made more effective.

Mr Mahesar pointed out that considering the present heatwave, ambulances and fire brigades were being made available. He said temperature might increase this year again, therefore outlets for supply of cold drinking water were to be set up.

He emphasised the need for setting up of heatstroke centre, availability of medicines and adequate arrangements for sanitation.

The DC observed that all devotees should be treated equally as far as provision of facilities was concerned and for this better coordination between officials was needed. Such coordination would help tackle any mismanagement as well, he added.

He asked the Wapda authorities to avoid load-shedding during the Urs. Generators should be made available as well, he said, adding that pole-mounted transformers should remain operational for avoiding any power breakdown.

The meeting was informed that during the three days, sughar katchehry, musical night, malakhro, industrial and cultural exhibitions and other colourful programmes would be organised.

The meeting noted that Rangers and police would be deployed in a large number during the Urs, while walk-through gates and CCTV cameras would be installed.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2017