Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 24: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr. Pawan Kotwal has stressed the need for effective day to day coordination among different departments for ensuring fool-proof arrangements for smooth conduct of Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled to commence from July 2.
Dr. Kotwal was addressing a meeting of senior officers of concerned departments at PWD Guest House Gandhi Nagar to review the arrangements for upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Principal Secretary to Governor P.K. Tripathi was also present in the meeting.
The Divisional Commissioner discussed various matters with police and civil administration and also sought suggestions from the civil society members to ensure timely and fool proof arrangements for the conduct of annual pilgrimage to South Kashmir cave shrine. He asked the officers concerned to keep their activities at maximum to put in place all arrangements like potable water, power supply, stay of devotees at the identified locations in case of bad weather, sanitation, provision of toilets, lodging, langar facilities, installation of hoarding, medicare, traffic and security arrangements.
During the meeting, Dr. Kotwal discussed various issues to strategize appropriate communication tools for help of the pilgrims seeking registration for the Yatra, need for compulsory health certificate for registration and the do’s and don’ts to be followed during the annual pilgrimage and related health advisories for the pilgrims.
The meeting also discussed the need for effective traffic regulation from Lakhanpur onwards for ensuring smooth onward movement of the Yatris to the respective base camps. Other aspects of yatra including flag off ceremony, registration, transport and accommodation for sadhus, establishment of communication centres, food courts, opening of tourist information centre, availability of fire tenders and enquiry booths were also discussed in length.
The Deputy Commissioners of all enroute districts were directed to conduct mock drills and District Disaster Management Committee meetings with officers, NGOs and volunteers of other organizations to prepare a road map to accommodate the yatries in case of emergency including blocking of road or inclement weather conditions.
He asked the R&B, Traffic authorities to put their men and machinery at toes to repair and restore damaged roads due to rains and landslides keeping in view the bad weather conditions for effective traffic regulation during the pilgrimage. The Municipal authorities were asked to ensure cleanliness at Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar, Bus Stand, Airport and Railway Station for the convenience of the yatris.
Among others IGP Jammu, Additional CEO, SASB, DIG Jammu-Kathua, DIG Traffic, Deputy Commissioners of concerned districts, Regional Transport Officer Director Health Services, Managing Director SRTC, Joint Director Tourism, senior officers from CAPD, Fire Services, PHE, PDD, PWD, BRO, Northern Railway, JKTDC besides representatives of various religious, social organizations, tour travel and trade association attended the meeting.
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