Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 15: Governor N.N.Vohra, who is also Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today reviewed the progress of ongoing works relating to arrangements for Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
The Governor was briefed about the to-date status of ongoing works at Baltal Yatra Camp by P.K Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), who had returned after visiting Baltal along with Showkat Aijaz Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Jitendra Kumar Singh, Additional CEO, Shivdeep Singh, Additional S.P Ganderbal, Shabir Hussain Bhat, CEO, SDA and R.K.Pandita, G.M (Works) and other concerned district officers.
The CEO informed the Governor that Labour and Animal Husbandry Departments have commenced the process of registration of Ponies, Pony-wallas and Dandi-wallas at Sonamarg in order to ensure against unauthorized persons crowding the narrow track; Sonamarg Development Authority has established shelter sheds and toilet facilities at Domel Access Control Gate and is making arrangements for the collection and disposal of wastes generated during the Yatra; water supply and power supply are now functional; BSNL has commissioned telephone connectivity at Baltal and work is ongoing for providing telecommunication facilities at the upper camps well before the start of the Yatra.
The CEO also reported that he had visited Manigam to review the facilities to be provided there for the Yatra and visited Neelgrath to assess preparations for the operation of helicopter services for the Yatra. The CEO has asked the Chief Engineer, BRO to urgently expedite the improvement of the road leading to Baltal and complete it well before the commencement of Yatra. The State PWD has also been asked to complete the restoration and smoothening of WBM road from Neelgrath to Baltal, Rangamorh – Baltal and Baltal – Domel.
The Governor was also informed that elaborate arrangements are being made for extending medical facilities to Yatris. These would include a 40- bed base hospital at Baltal at the old helipad, stationing of specialist doctors at Baltal and Holy Cave; X-ray and Pathological Laboratory facility at base hospital at Baltal, Holy Cave and Panjtarni; and Oxygen cylinders at all Medical Aid Centers at Domel, Brarimarg and Sangam. In addition, health facilities will also be provided along the Yatra route by the Army, CRPF, BSF and ITBP and ISM Department of the State Government.
The Governor directed the CEO to review progress on daily basis and ensure that all necessary arrangements are completed well before the commencement of Yatra.
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