patna

Updated: May 04, 2019 13:46 IST

The Bihar State Minorities Commission has requested the government to ensure a better civic amenities like water, electricity supplies and cleanliness in state capital, especially in the areas having high Muslim population during the month of Ramzan.

In a letter written to the urban development department, the Bihar State Minorities Commission has asked the department to make proper water supply facility in these areas especially at the time of Sehri (pre-dawn meal).

Sehari is consumed before the dawn breaks by the people who observe Roza or the day long fast during Ramzan and is considered obligatory for the people on fast. The month long festival is to begin in couple of days.

“Often, the Sehri is observed at around 3 AM and during the time there is no water in the tap in many households in our city, as the municipal corporation starts supplying water at 6 AM,” Prof Md Yunus Hussain Hakim, chairman of Bihar State Minorities Commission, said.

Faroque Zaman, an official from the Bihar State Minorities Commission, said that a large population in the city is still dependent upon government water supply facility.

“Considering their conveniences and requirements, the minorities commission has reminded

the urban development to ensure uninterrupted water supply, especially at the time of Sehri”, he said. There are many areas in the city with substantially higher Muslim population which include Aalamganj, Sultanganj, Patna City, Sabzi Bagh colony, areas around Gol Ghar, Samanpura, Raja Bazaar, Deegha, Danapur, Maner, Zaman said.

Masod Iqbal, a local from Sultanganj locality, said water and electricity supplies in areas like Sultanganj, Aalamganj and Patna city often remain disrupted. “Instances of demonstrations, demanding to restore and regularise the water and electricity supplies are very common here. People demonstrate to press for the demands,” he said.

“Irregular water supply is a big problem here and may prove to be very inconvenient for the local Muslims during Ramzan,” he said.

The minorities commission official said that Muslims are also concerned about the polling in Patna Sahib and Patliputra Lok Sabha constituencies. “Visiting polling booth is not a big problem, but standing in queue for hours to cast votes while being on fast may prove to be difficult for many. It’s the peak summer season and even those who are not observing fast, prefer not to go outdoors during the daytime,” he said. The best thing is polling is to start at early morning, he added.