Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 11: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed visited Asar-e-Sharief, Hazratbal, and took stock of the arrangements being made for the auspicious occasion of Meraj-ul-Alam.
He directed the Tourism Department to expedite preparation of a comprehensive beautification plan for Hazratbal Shrine, in collaboration with LAWDA and J&K Wakf Board, which will be submitted to the Central Government under its new scheme for development of pilgrim destinations.
Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Asiya Naqash, accompanied the Chief Minister.
Describing Asar-e-Sharief as a great spiritual place which has established an eternal bond with the people, the Chief Minister said the Holy Shrine is also attracting a large number of devotees every year. He directed the Tourism Department and LAWDA to devise a plan for creating additional facilities and wayside amenities en route Hazratbal for the comfort of the devotees and tourists.
Since Asar-e-Sharief Hazratbal attracts a large number of devotees round the year, Mufti Sayeed highlighted the need to create parking facility on modern lines. He directed the Tourism Department to incorporate provision of a dedicated parking slot in the DPR to be submitted to the Central Government.
Elaborating upon his plans to beautify the shrine premises, Mufti Sayeed called for sprucing up the lawns and extensive repair of the pathways on the side facing the Dal Lake. He also passed instructions to the Tourism Department for renovating the jetty area and ensuring that the streetlights are made functional.
LAWDA was also directed to make the sewerage system around the Asar-e-Sharief operational without any delay.
The Chief Minister directed the Floriculture Department to landscape and beautify the gardens and lawns of the Holy Shrine on a regular basis so that the ambience of the surroundings is maintained.
Mufti Sayeed also called for making elaborate arrangements for refreshment for the pilgrims who will be paying obeisance at Asar-i-Sharief, Hazratbal, on the occasion of Meraj-ul-Alam.
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