Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 23: Governor N.N. Vohra, accompanied by P.K. Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the Pahalgam-Panjtarni route and thereafter visited Sheshnag Yatra Camp to review the security arrangements and the facilities being established for the establishment of hospital, shelter sheds, Langars, tents, shops, pre-fabricated huts, toilets, baths etc.
The Governor had discussions with Col. Mahendra Pal Singh Mourya, CO, 10 Mahar Regt. and senior officers of J&K Police; CRPF, BSF and the Leader of the Avalanche Rescue Team regarding the arrangements to be made on the tracks from July 2 onwards.
The Governor directed Kishori Lal, the Camp Director and Devinder Singh Bandral, Additional Camp Director to ensure cleanliness and effective sanitation within the camp area. He also called for close co-ordination amongst various agencies involved in the management of the Yatra and directed the Camp Directors to have regular daily meetings with all the security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure immediate resolution of any arising problem.
He directed the concerned Departments particularly the Pahalgam Development Authority to speed up ongoing works to ensure completion of the Chandanwari-Pissu Top- Sheshnag-Mahagunas Top- Poshpathri-Panjtarni track by June 28 latest so as to ensure that all arrangements can be timely put in place.
To help the old / infirm/ sick Yatris in negotiating difficult stretches on the Yatra routes, Mountain Rescue Teams each comprising 10 Police personnel will be deployed at Sheshnag, Wavbal and Poshpathri. The Governor was also informed that NDRF teams will be deployed at Pissu Top and Sheshnag and SDRF teams will be deployed at Sheshnag, M.G. Top and Poshpathri.
Meanwhile, security arrangements made for the ensuing yatra were reviewed at a meeting held at Anantnag today with Director General of Police (DGP), K. Rajendra Kumar in chair. The meeting was attended by senior officers from JKP, CRPF, Army Intelligence and civil administration.
During the meeting threadbare discussions were held with regard to security and deployment for smooth conduct of yatra. Officers representing different security agencies made detailed presentation about the deployment of man power and other related arrangements for the yatra.
Mr. Rajendra asked the officers to identify the sensitive places and strengthen security grid. He said that joint patrolling should be carried out round the clock in these areas and also National Highway should be kept under continuous surveillance to foil any attempt of disruption by the miscreants.
Mr. Rajendra stressed upon the officers that while making arrangements it should be ensured that people are not put to any inconvenience.
Inspector General of Police SJM Geelani, briefed the meeting about the arrangement made and said that all security arrangements are put in place to ensure security of the pilgrims.
The IGP Traffic, J. P. Singh apprised the meeting about the traffic arrangements made on both the routes. He said that effective man power is been deployed to ensure smooth traffic regulation. Parking slots have already been identified for the convenience of yatries.
Among others, the meeting was attended by GOC Victor Force, GOC 15 Corps, IG CRPF (Ops), IG CRPF (Adm), Joint Director IB, Sector Commanders, DIG, South Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of South Kashmir districts, Deputy Commissioner and SSP Ganderbal and other police officers.
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