Bhopal's 79th Aalmi Tablighi Ijtima from Dec 4 aims to cut water use by 30 per cent

The 79th Aalmi Tablighi Ijtima will be held at Intkhedi in Bhopal from December 4 to 7, and preparations have picked up pace. Devotees are expected to arrive in large numbers from across the country. Teams of the district administration, police, municipal corporation, PWD, PHE and the electricity department are making arrangements together with the Ijtima organising committee.

Work is under way at the Ijtimagah on erecting pandals, laying pipelines for drinking water, and building toilets and bathing areas. The approach roads are also being repaired. A large number of volunteers are engaged in the preparations.

Water conservation has been made the main message of this year's Ijtima. The committee has set a target of cutting water consumption by at least 30 per cent compared with earlier editions. To achieve this, water wastage at the wuzu (ablution) areas will be stopped, leakages from taps and pipelines will be brought under control, and devotees will be made aware of the need to save water. The committee wants those returning from the Ijtima to carry the message of water conservation to their homes and communities.

Most devotees coming from across the country will arrive in their own vehicles. To spare them trouble if a vehicle breaks down on the way or near the Ijtimagah, a mechanical jamaat will be deployed. Its members will help fix technical faults in vehicles free of charge when needed. Special arrangements are also being made to keep vehicle movement, parking, and entry and exit routes in order.

Applications for temporary shops in the Ijtima premises will be taken on November 14 and 15. Those interested can apply at the Intkhedi Ijtima premises from 10 am to 3 pm. People of all religions have been given the chance to apply for the shops, and allotment will be by lottery. Applicants must bring an Aadhaar card and three passport-size photographs. No applications will be accepted after the stipulated dates. The contact numbers are 9993121208, 9303131799, 9425007289 and 9893540390.

The committee has cautioned devotees and the public that no donations are solicited in the name of the Ijtima. Anyone asking for money in its name should not be paid and should be reported to the committee immediately. According to the committee, such people should be complained against.

Badruddin Khan, chief spokesperson of the Ijtima organising committee, said all departments are discharging their responsibilities as per the Collector's earlier instructions. The municipal corporation is looking after cleanliness and garbage management, the PWD is handling roads and approach routes, and the PHE is arranging drinking water. The police are preparing for security and traffic, and the health department is arranging the necessary medical facilities. Khan also said the target is to cut water use by at least 30 per cent, the mechanical jamaat will give free help when vehicles break down, and shop allotment will remain open to people of all religions.