BANDIPORA, AUGUST 19: Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, today chaired a meeting to review and assess arrangements for the upcoming Maha Dhyaneshwar (Chota Amarnath) Yatra, scheduled to be held on August 28.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the security arrangements for the Yatra and stressed the need for adequate safety and security measures for the pilgrims. She directed the Police Department and the concerned Block Development Officer to conduct a thorough track visit and assess the safety of the route, besides identifying and addressing any potential concerns well in advance.
The DC also reviewed the medical arrangements to be put in place at Sharda Mandir, Kaloosa, and along the Yatra track, directing the concerned authorities to ensure adequate medical facilities and prompt response mechanisms for the pilgrims.
Threadbare discussions were also held on sanitation, transportation, electricity, drinking water supply, deployment of fire tenders, refreshments and provision of ponies for the convenience and safety of the devotees. The concerned departments were directed to ensure that all arrangements were put in place well before the commencement of the Yatra and that close inter-departmental coordination was maintained.
Emphasising the importance of cleanliness during the pilgrimage, the Deputy Commissioner called for active participation of all stakeholders under the Swachhta 50-50 campaign, urging officers, volunteers, pilgrims and the public to contribute towards ensuring a cleaner and greener Yatra.
The Deputy Commissioner announced that this year’s Yatra would be observed as a ‘Zero Waste Yatra’, with Swachhta bags to be provided to pilgrims to facilitate proper collection and disposal of waste. She stressed that cleanliness and environmental responsibility should remain a collective priority throughout the Yatra.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to remain proactive and ensure that every necessary arrangement was completed in a coordinated manner to facilitate a safe, smooth, clean and comfortable pilgrimage for all devotees.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl, and Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Shabir Ahmad Wani. while Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar; Commanding Officer 14 RR; Assistant Commissioner Development, Bandipora; Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti, Bandipora; Executive Engineer, PDD, Bandipora; Chief Medical Officer, Bandipora; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Bandipora; Tehsildar Bandipora; Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Bandipora; Assistant Director, Fire & Emergency Services, Bandipora; Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Committee, Bandipora; and representatives of the concerned departments and civil society, and other officers attended the meeting virtually.
