Srinagar: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Friday convened a high-level meeting to review arrangements for smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra.
Threadbare discussion was held on various issues regarding the annual pilgrimage which inter alia included traffic, food supply, Health services, fire safety measures, electricity, water supply, telecom connectivity, disaster management, accurate weather forecasting services, and other issues.
Advisor discussed various matters with the concerned officers and also sought suggestions from them to ensure timely and fool-proof arrangements for smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. He stressed on effective coordination among all the concerned departments for ensuring smooth conduct of the Yatra.
Advisor enquired from the Deputy Commissioners about establishment of control rooms at the district level and various civic facilities that have been put in place for the yatris. He also directed the officers to identify locations on the National Highway and other locations where the pilgrims can be lodged in case of the inclement weather.
Heads of various departments apprised the Advisor of the arrangements that have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of Yatra.
The discussion was also held on various issues to strategize appropriate communication tools to help the pilgrims seeking registration for the Yatra, including the need for a compulsory health certificate for registration during the annual pilgrimage.
Advisor also discussed the need for effective traffic regulation to ensure smooth movement of the pilgrims to the respective base camps and directed the traffic department to strictly adhere to the timing schedule. He also asked the Meteorological department to send weather reports on a daily basis to the concerned departments.
Expressing his satisfaction over the arrangements that have been put in place, the Advisor directed the officers to keep on taking periodical reviews at their level to plug any loopholes.
The officers from various districts gave a detailed brief about the arrangements put in place by their respective administrations.
Advisor was apprised that most of the arrangements have already been done at the Holy cave and enroute the Yatra and now they are giving finishing touch to the arrangements as per the standard practices. He was further informed that most of the works have been completed or are at the final stages of completion. He was also informed by the Health department that advance placement of medical staff is being done on Yatra duty for the better healthcare facility to the Yatris.
Advisor also enquired about fire tenders, oxygen booths, temporary ration depots and services like tents, beddings, ponies for the yatra. He directed the concerned officers to gear up their men and machinery to ensure adequate arrangements for comfortable journey and stay of Yatris. He asked the concerned departments to make sure that the pilgrims do not face any hardship during the pilgrimage.
