Major initiative for beautification of Hazratbal shrine in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 21 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a major initiative for the beautification of Hazratbal shrine, which houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad.

Briefing reporters about last night's Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minster Ghulam Nabi Azad, state chief Secretary B R Kundal said it was decided to beautify the surrounding of the holy shrine, located on the bank of Dal Lake.

He said it was decided to remove all the houses around the shrine for enhancement of the surroundings and to provide more space for the devotees.

However, he said, the cabinet decided to provide alternative land to the families who were likely to get affected.

The Cabinet decided to transfer 92.5 kanals of state land to the Public Works Department (PWD) at Bhagat-e-Shoura in Hazratbal area for the rehabilitation of affected families.

Lakhs of devotees visit the shrine on Fridays and other religious occasions.

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