Hyderabad Police step up Muharram arrangements for Bibi-ka-Alam procession
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Friday directed all government departments to coordinate closely for successful Muharram arrangements and the smooth conduct of the historic Bibi-ka-Alam procession.
Chairing a high-level coordination meeting at the Salar Jung Museum auditorium, the Commissioner reviewed preparations for the Ashura procession, which is observed by Shia Muslims during the holy month of Muharram.
Religious leaders, public representatives and senior officials from various government departments attended the meeting.
Muharram arrangements focus on security and traffic
Sajjanar said police had initiated extensive security measures to ensure devotees faced no inconvenience during the procession.
The Bibi-ka-Alam procession will begin at Bibi-ka-Alam Ashurkhana in Dabeerpura.
It will pass through Etebar Chowk, Kotla Alijah, Panjesha, Mir Alam Mandi, Charminar, Gulzar Houz, Purani Haveli and Darushifa.
The procession will conclude at Masjid-e-Ilahi in Chaderghat.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad Police will implement a comprehensive traffic diversion plan and provide adequate parking facilities for devotees.
Furthermore, authorities will deploy additional police platoons and Rapid Action Force personnel along the route.
She Teams and Task Force units will also maintain surveillance to enhance women’s safety.
Muharram arrangements include elephant safety measures
The Commissioner directed officials to make special arrangements for the elephant participating in the procession.
He instructed departments to bring the elephant to the city in advance and ensure adequate rest before the event.
Sajjanar also directed volunteers to maintain a sufficient buffer zone around the animal throughout the procession.
In addition, authorities will deploy a veterinary team under the supervision of the Nehru Zoological Park.
Officials will also keep a tranquiliser ready for emergency situations.
The Commissioner said senior officers would monitor the entire procession route through CCTV cameras from the Integrated Command and Control Centre at Banjara Hills.
Muharram arrangements address civic concerns
During the meeting, representatives of the Shia community raised issues related to road repairs, drinking water supply, sanitation and overhead power lines.
Sajjanar assured them that the concerned departments would resolve the issues through coordinated action.
He also appealed to devotees and organisers to cooperate with authorities and help ensure a peaceful procession.