Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited the Nunwan base camp and reviewed the arrangements made for the Amarnath pilgrims in south Kashmir.
The 62-day-long Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 1 from the two traditional routes of Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Lt Governor conducted an on-site inspection at Nunwan and Chandanwari Base Camps and reviewed ongoing works and logistics, lodging, health and other facilities that have been put in place for the comfort of pilgrims.
Subsequently, a meeting was held during which Lt Governor appraised the elaborate arrangements put in place by all the stakeholder departments pertaining to the snow clearances of all sections of tracks, deployment of trained manpower, Helipads operations, health facilities, water and power supply at transit camps and halt points, allotment of tents and shops, Disaster Management, a contingency plan for accommodation, etc.
The Lt Governor directed the concerned departments to make all necessary services accessible to the pilgrims at railway stations, airports, travel routes and Yatra base camps.
Lt Governor impressed upon the officials to create a strong healthcare and health emergency infrastructure with additional teams of doctors and nursing staff. He further asked them to harness the benefits of technology to deal with any emergent situation.
Proper arrangements for regular ambulance, Heli-ambulance service and oxygen cylinders must be ensured, the Lt Governor told the officials.
He also took stock of the arrangements being made for drinking water and sanitation and facilities for sanitation workers deployed to ensure cleanliness at the Base Camps.
Lt Governor passed explicit directions for the Camp in charge and concerned officials for operationalization of the Sheshnag and Panjtarni camp by 20th June.
It must be ensured that the Track is through for ponies, Pithoos from Chandanwari to the holy cave well before the commencement of the Yatra, he said.
Lt Governor set the deadline of 20th June for the completion of various works including snow clearance at MG Top, Panjtarni and other such areas; completion of emergency landing platform at holy cave; boundary walls, safety railing on vulnerable stretches; water supply and installation of RO in every camp.
Power supply and illumination in every camp should be done by June 17.
Health facilities and availability of health equipment should be ensured. SoP by the Health Department to be made operational at each camp, the Lt Governor told the officials.
He directed the KPDCL and Jal Shakti departments for engaging skilled manpower and day-to-day monitoring of water and power logistics.
Lt Governor emphasized on the involvement of members of the PRIs and Civil society in successful conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
We must learn from the challenges of last year and take comprehensive measures accordingly.
All the concerned departments, CAPFs, J&K Police, Army and other stakeholders should work in close coordination for making best arrangements to ensure smooth pilgrimage.
Feedback on tracks from civil administration, Security forces should also be taken, he added.
Work on the Steel girder bridges will be completed well before the commencement of the Yatra, it was informed.
Lt Governor directed the officials to lay special focus on Sanitation, Quality of tents, fire extinguishers and ensure adequate gaps during the installation of tents.
No unauthorised tents should be installed. Strict enforcement of SOPs and guidelines must be ensured near the holy cave, he added.
Lt Governor directed the Irrigation and Flood Control department to complete the Nallah works by June 25.
Instructions were also passed pertaining to the installation of LED at various locations with pre-recorded messages and information dissemination, upgradation of Signages and information boards, besides ensuring strong telecom and mobile connectivity.
Sh Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department; Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary Tourism Department; Sh Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid.
The meeting was attend by Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir and Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, senior officials of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Civil Administration, Police, CAPFs and Army also attended the meeting.
