Bhittai's 282nd Urs begins on August 9

Celebrations to last for three days

HYDERABAD:

The 282nd annual urs celebrations of the great philosopher, sufi poet and saint Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (RA), will commence from August 9 to last for three days. Tens of thousands of devotees are expected to throng the small town of Bhit Shah in Matiari district, located close to the National Highway, during the celebrations.

In this regard, Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Fayyaz Hussain Abbasi and DIG Tariq Razaq Dharejo on Thursday reviewed the final arrangements for the urs at a meeting in Bhit Shah. The commissioner asked Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) to supply electricity round the clock for the three days in Bhit Shah.

The health department was directed to station ambulances and to set up medical camps while twice a day fumigation was also ordered. The SSP Matiari district Ejaz Memon apprised that 2,688 policemen, including 100 lady constables, will be deployed in addition to the personnel for security. According to him, Bhit Shah will be divided into six sectors while 24-hour-surveillance will be maintained at 37 key points.

The visiting devotees will have to pass through the walk-through gates to enter the shrine which will be monitored through CCTV cameras. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Yousuf Shaikh informed that for the first time a free shuttle service will also be introduced for the visitors to transport them from the parking area to the shrine and back. To prevent heat-stroke related issues, shaded areas, heat stroke camps and cold water stalls will be installed at various locations, he added.