Srinagar (NVI): Even though there is no final word from the J&K government over the time frame of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, J&K LG’s Advisor, Bashir Ahmed Khan today reviewed the pilgrimage arrangements with the officials from the administration and security top brass.

Officials told NVI that given the way administration is ensuring preparedness for the annual pilgrimage, it seems that the annual Yatra which is otherwise scheduled to be held in the month of July, is likely to be allowed amid certain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place. Earlier, the J&K administration was in a dilemma whether to allow this year’s pilgrimage in the wake of deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

Officials said that the LG’s Advisor asked each department to rise up to the occasion and make foolproof arrangements for the smooth conduct of the yatra. He asked the Divisional Commissioners to physically take stock of all the arrangements much before the commencement of yatra.

“Khan advised them to complete all the arrangements like clearing of track, installation of lights, water tanks, toilets, generators, PSPs, Public Address System, communication towers and road signage’s before the scheduled date,” official spokesman said in a statement here, adding that the Advisor enjoined upon the officers that medical teams, fire tenders, temporary ration depots and service providers like tents, beddings, ponies and Palkiwalas should be deployed days before the initiation of the yatra.

As per the official spokesman, Advisor Khan stressed that no dearth of essentials should be felt either by yatris (pilgrims) or administrative facilitators deployed there.

According to the official spokesman, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole gave a detailed brief of the arrangements made at the holy cave and en route for the yatra.

He informed the meeting that most of the arrangements have already been made and the Deputy Commissioners are now giving finishing touches to the arrangements as per the standard practices.

He further informed the meeting that all the service providers and facilities to be created have been finalised. He informed that most of the works to be carried out have been completed or are at the final stages of completion.

The concerned DCs informed the meeting that all the camp locations and facilities required there have already been finalized and worked upon. Moreover, the required men and machinery of all the concerned line departments are ready to move to the locations where they are scheduled to reach along with necessary supplies.

The official spokesman said that later, the Advisor also held a meeting with the security agencies to inoculate them about the security-related arrangements to be made at their end.

“He asked them to extend helping hand to the yatris especially in higher reaches as the forces have required set of skills and training for doing the same,” the spokesman said, adding that “the security officers informed the meeting that they are abreast with the requirements and are going to make requisite arrangements as per ground situation.”

Yesterday, J&K LG GC Murmu, who is also chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), reviewed the preparedness for the yatra at a high-level meeting. This year, the annual Amarnath pilgrimage is likely to be held for a shorter duration from a shorter Baltal route from July 23 to August 3.

-ARK