Lahore: Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousaf on Saturday reviewed arrangements for the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (Data Ganj Bakhsh), directing all departments to ensure comprehensive security, cleanliness and public facilitation as the three-day celebrations are scheduled to be held from August 2 to 4.
During a visit to the entry and exit points of Data Darbar, the commissioner inspected preparations in and around the shrine, including under-construction areas, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ejaz, the Administrator of Data Darbar and officers of the district administration. He issued on-the-spot directions to ensure the safety of devotees in areas undergoing construction.
Later, chairing a meeting at the Data Darbar Complex, Nauman Yousaf was briefed by the district administration and the shrine administration on arrangements for the annual Urs. The meeting was informed that religious gatherings, Mehfil-e-Samaa, Chadar Poshi, an art gallery exhibition and special prayer ceremonies would be held during the three-day event. It was also informed that Clinic on Wheels, medical camps, Rescue 1122 counters and ambulances would remain available at designated locations.
The commissioner said millions of devotees were expected to attend the Urs and directed all civic agencies, including Suthra Punjab, WASA and the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, to ensure round-the-clock cleanliness at the shrine, surrounding areas and procession routes.
He also instructed the authorities to install adequate directional signboards and deploy additional volunteers to facilitate pilgrims visiting the shrine.
Nauman Yousaf directed that a central control room be established at the Data Darbar Complex and said the shrine area would be monitored through Safe City cameras as well as additional surveillance cameras installed inside the shrine and surrounding areas. He ordered immediate action on public complaints and stressed that all under-construction sites must be made completely safe with zero tolerance for negligence.
The commissioner further directed Civil Defence to inspect every gas cylinder being used at the Langar Khana and maintain continuous deployment during the Urs.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ejaz, the Administrator of Data Darbar and representatives of the Traffic Police, Lahore Police, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, TEPA, LDA, LESCO, Health Department, WASA, Suthra Punjab, Lahore Parking Company (LEPARK) and other relevant departments.