Srinagar, May 30 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday reviewed the arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and directed all departments to ensure timely completion of infrastructure and service-related works for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The annual yatra to the Holy Cave of Lord Shiva, situated on a mountain peak in south Kashmir, is scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Chairing a meeting at Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Garg assessed the preparedness of various departments and agencies involved in managing the yatra scheduled later this year, officials said.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, senior officers from power, health, public works, rural development, municipal bodies, police, telecom companies and other stakeholder departments.
Officials briefed the divisional commissioner on arrangements being made along the Pahalgam route, including augmentation of infrastructure, provision of essential services and coordination among departments.
Garg directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply at camps, halting stations and along the pilgrimage route. He also asked the Power Development Department to maintain round-the-clock electricity supply and put adequate backup systems in place.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was instructed to expedite road repair and maintenance works and ensure all roads connected with the pilgrimage remain safe and motorable. Garg also asked officials to explore the possibility of early installation of a two-way bridge at Sarbal and speed up construction of rain shelters along the track.
Reviewing healthcare facilities, he directed the Health Department to ensure deployment of adequate medical staff, availability of medicines, ambulances and emergency response systems at designated locations.
The municipal authorities and Rural Development Department were asked to strengthen sanitation and waste-management measures at camps and along the yatra route, while telecom service providers were directed to maintain uninterrupted communication facilities during the pilgrimage.
Garg emphasised close inter-departmental coordination and directed departments to complete all assigned works within stipulated timelines. He also instructed officials to issue RFID cards to service providers well in advance to facilitate their movement during the yatra.
Earlier, the divisional commissioner interacted with stakeholders, including pony operators, tent owners, taxi operators and hoteliers, who raised various issues and suggestions related to the pilgrimage.
Assuring them that their genuine concerns would be addressed, Garg said service providers have played a crucial role in the successful conduct of previous yatras and contribute significantly to both pilgrimage management and tourism promotion in the region.
Later, he visited Chandanwari, the Nunwan base camp and the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Pahalgam to inspect ongoing works and review arrangements on the ground.
The divisional commissioner directed the concerned agencies to ensure timely completion of all pending works and maintain high standards in the provision of public utilities and sanitation facilities ahead of the commencement of the yatra, officials added.(NVI)
