SRINAGAR: Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), accompanied by Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the yatra route along the Baltal axis and visited the Holy Cave,  Panjtarni, Baltal and Domel Yatra Camps and the Neelgrath Helipad.

Governor N N Vora inspecting the arrangements at the Amarnath cave. Photo: Raj Bhawan

At the Cave the Governor was briefed by the representatives of Army, J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, NDRF, SDRF, the Leader of the Mountain Rescue Team and Sachin Jamwal, Director, Holy Cave Shrine area and Rakesh Badyal Camp Director Holy Cave, regarding the arrangements being made on and along the track from Upper Sangam-Lower Holy Cave-Holy Cave for the smooth conduct of the Yatra from June 29, onwards.

Governor issued instructions to the Camp Directors at Holy Cave to ensure the pitching of tents, shops and Langars only in the areas designated in the Lay Out Plan and directed the Army and paramilitary units to recce the area, particularly the slopes above the Cave, to see that there were no loose stones on these slopes. Governor emphasized that proper sanitation arrangements should be ensured and the deep garbage pits should be dug to ensure the proper disposal of all biodegradable wastes.

At the Panjtarni Base Camp along with Ranjeet Singh, Camp Director and officers of Army, security forces and the officers of the various other concerned departments, Governor inspected arrangements for supply of power, water supply, proper installation of baths and toilets and treatment of their flows, dissemination of information through installation of PA system, maintenance of proper fire gaps, availability of firefighting equipment etc. He directed the Camp Director to personally supervise, daily, the status of the sanitation of 300 toilets being constructed and to ensure that regular doses of bacteria should be added by the agency responsible for ensuring sanitation. He further directed that rates of Porters, Ponies, Pithoos should be prominently displayed for the information of the Yatris and stressed the need to maintain close coordination amongst various agencies involved in the management of the Yatra and directed them to have regular meetings every morning and evening with all the security agencies, various departments and the stake-holders to ensure immediate resolution of any arisen problem.

Deputy Chief Minister feeding Sadhus, the first group of pilgrims that will go to the Amarnath cave on June 29. Photo: J&K Government

At the Yatra Camp locations visited by him the governor interacted with the Service Providers and those who are involved in repairing/improving the tracks, providing Ponies, Pithoos, Palkis and other services for the Yatris. While conveying his greetings on the special occasion of Eid-ul- Fitr he informed them that Group Insurance for all Service Providers and Yatris has been enhanced to Rs. 3.00 lakhs from the existing Rs1.00 lakh.

Governor was informed by Sher Singh, Camp Director Baltal that 400 toilets and 100 wash rooms have been installed; 200 toilets and 66 wash rooms set up between Rangamorh and Domel and Langars had come up at Baltal Base Camp (9) and at Domel (24). He emphasized that water testing of all drinking water points should be made every day.

Governor visited the Base Hospital at Holy Cave, Panjtarni and Baltal and was informed by the Doctors In-Charge that Oxygen cylinders, ECG machines, Defibrillators, Oxygen Concentrators, Hapo bag chambers, CPR machines, X-ray machines, Ventilators, Pulse Oxy meters, Resuscitation sets and all required medicines were available. At Baltal Base Hospital he interacted with Doctors deputed from Safdarjang Hospital, Delhi, who are already treating the local residents and Service Providers. He also reviewed the residential accommodation and messing facilities, which are being provided for about 250 medical personnel, including those arriving from different parts of the country, to provide medical assistance for the Yatris.

Governor visited the Access Control Gate at Domel and inspected the extension of the Shelter Shed for facilitating the movement of Yatris and reviewed the security preparations and movement plan of the Yatris with Col Gaurav Shukla Commanding Officer, Garwhal Rifles, and Sh Pawan Sharma Camp Director.

At the Neelgrath Helipad, Governor inspected the new Waiting Hall area and directed the Camp Director to ensure that the toilets and washrooms are kept clean and hygienic at all times.

In Jammu, Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta and Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, today met the pilgrims, who have arrived here from different parts of the country for their onward journey towards holy shrine of Shri Amarnathji and enquired about the arrangements and facilities being made at the venue.

Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Culture, Tourism Priya Sethi was also present on the occasion.

They expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the authorities for the stay and hospitality of pilgrims at local Ram Mandir. The dignitaries also served the langer to the yatris who have come from different parts of the country to pay obeisance at Shri Amarnath Shrine which will commence from June 29.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Government has made elaborate arrangements for security and other required facilities for the visiting pilgrims along the entire pilgrimage route to ensure smooth pilgrimage for the devotees. He assured that the Government would ensure close coordination with various agencies, including Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Security to ensure hassle-free yatra like previous years. He wished them safe and happy pilgrimage.

Kavinder Gupta also wished the pilgrims’ safe and secure journey and said that adequate arrangements for their stay at various places en-route have been made.

Priya Sethi assured the yatries that no stone will be left unturned by the Government to facilitate the i with all required necessities throughout their holy journey.

Among others, MLA Jammu East Rajesh Gupta, MLA Khour, Dr K L Bhagat, MLC Romesh Arora, Senior Leader Yudhvir Sethi, besides Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Rajeev Ranjan, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr Arun Kumar Manhas and Mahant Rameshwar Dass were also present on the occasion.

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