Shri Amarnathji Yatra
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 21 : On the instructions of the Governor, N. N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Navin K. Choudhary, has returned after undertaking a three day survey of all the camps en-route of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. The CEO started his work with an extensive review at Baltal Base Camp and returned to Srinagar yesterday after inspecting arrangements at Holy Cave, Panjtarni, Sheshnag, Zojibal, Pissu Top, Chandanwari and Nunwan Base Camp.
In his report to the Chairman, the CEO informed that water, power, toilet and bath facilities and sewage treatment plant have been provided at the Baltal Base Camp and shelter sheds in the Baltal-Domel sector. The entry gate for access to the Baltal – Holy Cave track is also getting ready. He also informed that langars are in the process of getting installed at the Baltal Base Camp.
While expressing satisfaction over the road surface from Rangamorh to the Baltal Base Camp and Domel, the CEO has directed the PHE authorities to sprinkle water on the road several times a day to check the dust and dirt. He also inspected the helipad and had a detailed briefing with the Helicopter Service Providers namely M/s Summit Aviation Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd. for smooth operation of the helicopter services.
The track from Domel to the Holy Cave via the Sangam and Kali Mata routes is getting ready and the vulnerable stretches on the track, particularly on the Kali Mata route, are receiving the attention of R. K. Pandita, Addl. GM (Works) of the Shrine Board. For this purpose, the Kali Mata track has been stopped for all movements for next two days and the essential repairs are expected to be completed by 22nd June.
The CEO has reported that Holy Cave area is still covered with considerable snow and the SASB engineering wing and the Pahalgam Development Authority have put in extra labour to make a satisfactory track for the yatris. PDA’s snow clearance work from Sangam to Holy Cave is expected to be completed by 22nd June evening.
The CEO stated that the issue of non supply of power at the Holy Cave has been taken up with the higher authorities in the Power Development Department who have assured that the power supply at the Holy Cave, Panjtarni and Sheshnag Camps will be restored by today evening. The CEO has also taken up the matter with Chief Engineer, PDD for adequate storage of diesel at the each Camp location for running the DG sets without interruption.
The SASB engineering wing is repairing the staircase and railing leading to the Holy Cave which have broken down at few places due to heavy snow fall last winter. This work and the erection of toilets will be completed by 22nd June.
The CEO expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made at the Panjtarni Camp. He has directed PDA to immediately erect railings at dangerous spots and complete the same by 22nd June. The CEO has also directed the Camp Director, Panjtarni, to urgently undertake the necessary repairs of the helipads at Panjtarni.
Regarding the snow clearance between Sheshnag and Mahagunus Top, the CEO reported that most of the areas in Mahagunus Top are still covered with considerable snow and the track from Bahubal Top to Sheshnag is slippery due to the snow melt. On his direction, the PDA has deployed heavy additional labour to clear the snow and improve the track in this strip before the Yatra commences on 25th June. The CEO has directed the Camp Directors and Addl. Camp Directors at Sheshnag to review this stretch twice daily to review the progress.
Considering the loss of time at the Sheshnag Camp, due to heavy snow accumulation, the CEO has directed Shrine Board DGM (Works), Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh, to personally camp at Sheshnag and get all the works completed. The Board has also deputed Col. Mohinder from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to supervise the ongoing work in Sheshnag, to support the work of Director and Addl. Camp Director, Sheshnag Camp, who are engaged with other tasks.
The tracks leading to Nagakoti and Pissu Top, both with steep gradients are well prepared and the railing work will be completed early. PDA engineers and contractors are working on the ground and the work is likely to be completed in the next two days.
The CEO inspected the ongoing work on the Entry Gate at Chandanwari, which will be completed positively two days before the commencement of Yatra. The Pahalgam-Chandanwari and Khanabal-Pahalgam stretches of road are being repaired. The CEO has taken up the repair of the Kangan-Gund road, on the National Highway, with BEACON authorities for urgent repairs.
During his visit to all the Camps, the CEO directed the Camp Directors and Addl. Camp Directors to personally supervise work relating to sanitation, shelter, erection of tents and shops, proper arrangement of water and power supply and regulation of yatri movements on the track.
The Governor, N. N. Vohra is scheduled to visit Nunwan and Baltal Base Camps on 22nd June to personally see the arrangements made on the ground. He will visit Holy Cave, Panjtarni, Sheshnag and Chandanwari Camps on the next day.
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