Hyderabad: Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced that the government will ensure smooth arrangements during Moharram, an Islamic month.
A high-level meeting took place on Friday, chaired by Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to discuss preparations for Moharram. Government adviser Mohammad Shabbir Ali, officials from various departments, and Shia religious leaders attended the meeting at the Telangana State Secretariat.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar emphasized the need for all departments to work together. He instructed that police presence should be increased at Ashoorkhanas, where Moharram events will be held. The minister also directed immediate completion of road repairs and pending drainage works in the surrounding areas, along with arranging for adequate lighting.
Special lights should be installed by the electricity department on the day of the main elephant procession, water should be provided by the water board, and sanitation works should be monitored by GHMC officials. Additional facilities such as mobile toilets should also be arranged.
Police have been instructed to take measures to prevent traffic disruptions during the Moharram procession. High security should be maintained around Bibi-Ka-Alam, where the main procession starts, according to the minister’s orders.
Suggestions were made by Shabbir Ali to provide basic amenities to those visiting Ashoorkhanas to pay their condolences, including arranging mini buses for transportation. Medical camps and ambulances should also be made available during the procession.
Several officials and leaders including MLCs, MLAs, department secretaries, and corporation chairpersons attended the meeting to discuss and plan for a smooth Moharram observance.