City gears up to host Data’s Urs
The three-day 980th Urs celebrations of Sufi saint Data Ganj Bakhsh, will begin on Tuesday.
According to officials, 2,500 closed-circuit cameras and a control room have been set up for safety of the visitors, while policewomen will also be deployed for the purpose. Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Secretary Syed Tahir Raza said the department had allocated Rs125 million for free food and other arrangements during the Urs for devotees.
He said 25 LCD's would be installed in the control room to monitor the security arrangements, while 3,000 police personnel, including three SPs, would be deployed. He said 11 walk-through gates and 36 metal detectors would be used at on the entrances to the shrine. Volunteers from various organisations will also assist the department.
The official said the Auqaf department had also deployed 45 security guards, while 74 guards had been hired from a security company. In view of the prevailing situation, a bomb disposal squad will also be present at all times. Rescue 1122 staff along with five ambulances and motorcycles will of duty round the clock along with special arrangements in nearby hospitals.
He said that traffic police had prepared a plan for visitors to reach the shrine without hindrance. In addition, 238 workers will maintain cleanliness in three shifts on the occasion.
Arrangements for ablution and drinking water supply have been completed, while medical camps have been set up on the premises of the Data Darbar complex and in the basement of the mosque.
An additional generator has been arranged to ensure uninterrupted power supply, while special arrangements have been made by WAPDA in this regard.
The gas company has also been directed to provide uninterrupted supply. Vehicle parking has been arranged at the Central Model High School II, Retigan Road, Muslim School II, Islamia College Civil Lines and Data Darbar Hospital for the visitors.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2023.