SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited Baltal on Wednesday and reviewed the preparedness status of the annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji through the Baltal route.
Prior to the on-site inspection, a review meeting was held at Sonamarg, attended by Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and senior officials of Amarnath Shrine Board, Civil Administration, Police, CAPFs, and Army.
The Lt Governor assessed the arrangements in place for healthcare, electricity, communication, water supply and sanitation, weather forecasting, disaster management, security grid, and all other basic necessities for the pilgrims.
He directed officials to ensure that the Yatra Base Camp has an adequate number of doctors, staff, equipment, medicines, and oxygen cylinders. The BRO was instructed to mobilize resources and complete all works before the start of the Yatra.
Considering the challenging terrain and low oxygen levels at the Yatra site, the Lt Governor emphasized the need for round-the-clock healthcare facilities and car to be provided.
The Lt Governor urged officials to ensure communication services along the Yatra route and night air services. He also directed the fitting of fire extinguishing equipment in tented accommodations.
Overall arrangements for the Yatra have been upgraded. All relevant departments are instructed to take necessary steps to ensure a convenient, safe, and hassle-free pilgrimage.
During the visit to the Yatra Base Camp in Baltal, the Lt Governor inspected the ongoing work at DRDO’s Hospital and other facilities for the pilgrims.
It was reported that the hospital will be operational by 17th June.
Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary of the Tourism Department; Dr Raghav Langer, Secretary of the Planning, Development, and Monitoring Department; and Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, were also present. (KNO)
