LAHORE:Commissioner Nauman Yousaf on Saturday reviewed preparations for the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji during a visit to Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib.
He directed the district administration and relevant departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the expected influx of Sikh pilgrims in November.
Deputy Commissioner Nankana Sahib Rana Hameed and District Police Officer briefed the commissioner on arrangements for pilgrims’ accommodation, security, cleanliness, healthcare, traffic management, parking and municipal services.
The briefing was informed that a temporary hospital would be established at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, while wards would be reserved at the District Headquarters Hospital to facilitate pilgrims. CCTV cameras would monitor Nankana city and major roads, while police would conduct round-the-clock patrolling to ensure security.
The commissioner also visited the control room to review the monitoring arrangements and met the management of Gurdwara Janam Asthan to discuss preparations and coordinate arrangements for the religious gathering.
Commissioner Nauman Yousaf directed the relevant departments to ensure the safety of electricity distribution systems at gurdwaras and instructed the Punjab Food Authority to inspect langar and other food items to ensure food safety.
Describing the celebrations as an international event, he emphasised teamwork among all departments and directed officials to ensure that pilgrims faced no shortage of facilities. He also inspected the quality of development work on Janam Asthan Road and directed officials to complete and secure the under-construction section at the rear of the shrine at the earliest.
The commissioner said a large number of Sikh pilgrims would arrive in Nankana Sahib in November to participate in the annual celebrations. He said the administration would extend a heartfelt welcome to the pilgrims and ensure appropriate arrangements for their accommodation, security and other needs. He added that the district administration was maintaining close coordination with the gurdwara management to facilitate the visiting pilgrims.