Gangbal-Harmukh Yatra: DGP takes aerial view of area, reviews security arrangements

DGP Dilbag Singh reviewing the security arrangements in Gangbal area of Ganderbal district on Thursday.
DGP Dilbag Singh reviewing the security arrangements in Gangbal area of Ganderbal district on Thursday.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 21 :Ahead of annual Harmukh-Gangbal Yatra in Ganderbal district, the Director General of Police J&K, Dilbag Singh took an aerial view of Gangbal area and reviewed the security arrangements here today.
DGP Dilbag Singh accompanied by SSP Ganderbal Nikhil Borkar, also interacted with the jurisdictional officers at Naranag and discussed arrangements put in place for the yatra.
During the interaction with the officers, the DGP sought the detailed reports about the arrangement made.
The officers present briefed the DGP regarding the arrangement made for the successful conduct of the yatra.
The DGP emphasized maintaining high level of coordination to conduct the Yatra smoothly and said that strict adherence to security protocols be ensured for the yatra in a desired manner. He directed that all possible assistance should be provided to the yatris.
The DGP instructed the officers to supervise the arrangements personally with proper briefing to the deployed personnel in their respective enroute and base camp and directed the officers to strengthen communication network and real time coordination and dissemination of information.
He also interacted with the pilgrims at Naranag base camp and enquired about the facilities and arrangements available.
Pilgrimage to the Harmukh-Gangbal situated at an elevation of 3570 meters starts annually from Naranag area of Kangan in Ganderbal district. After performing Puja at Naranag temple, devotees set on 15-km journey on foot to Gangabal lake, which is located around 14,500 feet above sea level in the Harmukh mountain range. The pilgrims track to Gangbal via Butchari and Trunkhal. On reaching, sacred puja is performed on the banks of Gangbal lake following which the pilgrims returns the next day.
On the occasion, AIG Tech/Commn Manoj Kumar Pandith, Major 34RR Lavesh Kumar, Addl. SP Ganderbal Aijaz Ahmad Malik, SDPO Kangan Muzaffar Jan and Assistant commandant Gagan Singh of 118 BN CRPF were also present