Amarnath Yatra: Adv Kumar, CS visit Baltal Base Camp, review arrangements | KNO

Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

Ganderbal, June 20 (KNO) : Advisor to Governor, K. Vijay Kumar, Chief Secretary, BVR Subramanyam along with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan and Chief Executive Officer SASB, Umang Narula Thursday visited Baltal Base Camp where they chaired a meeting to review the arrangements being put in place for the smooth conduct of ensuing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2019 via Baltal route. The meeting was attended by DGP, IGP, DIG Police, IGP, DIG CRPF, SSP Ganderbal, ADDC Ganderbal, ADC, Chief Engineers PDD, PHE, R&B & I&FC, Labour Commissioner, Director Health Kashmir, Director Information & Public Relations, representatives of SASB, officials from Army, SDRF besides other concerned district officers. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan apprised the meeting regarding the arrangements being put in place by concerned departments associated with Yatra for smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage via Baltal. He gave a detailed overview of teams constituted like Camp Inspection Team, Contingency Plan, Communication Plan, registration of service providers, Disaster Management unit, etc. The meeting also reviewed the status of completion of track up-gradation works on Baltal route up to Holy Cave, improvements at the access control gates, establishment of camps, shelter sheds, medical camps and Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) at various locations, provision of drinking water supply, lighting, availability of essential commodities, Medicine and mobile connectivity besides establishment of Joint Control Rooms. While reviewing the status of track, it was informed that 14.2 km track from Baltal to Holy Cave is already through besides wire meshing and railing is almost completed. It was also decided that final audit of the track shall be done on June 28, 2019. Meanwhile, SSP Ganderbal also presented a detailed presentation regarding the security arrangements. After thorough discussion on security plan, the Advisor directed all the concerned security agencies to ensure that all necessary security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Yatra are made well in time. He also stressed on holding joint meetings for better coordination. With regard to installation of signages, the Div Com informed that from Pantha Chowk to Manigam, the installation of signages is completed and from Manigam onwards the installation work is in progress and shall be completed within a few days. On the occasion, Chief Secretary directed that signages should be displayed at prominent locations for guiding Yatris. For ensuring clean and hygienic toilet facilities to yatris, the meeting was informed that at the identified transit camps toilet facilities would be increased pursuant to the decision taken in the previous meeting besides face-lifting, water connections, electricity and drainage is ensured at the identified locations. Both Advisor and Chief Secretary directed all the concerned Departments for ensuring proper quality sanitation facility at every camp location and maintaining cleanliness of entire track en-route to the Holy Cave. They stressed to ensure decomposition of wastes through Solid Waste Management. For improved teamwork and coordination within the Departments to deal with contingencies, they emphasized on holding a brief morning meeting with all the Officers on a daily basis. It was also decided that the Camp Directors shall be vested with magisterial powers. They also directed CEO SASB for publishing multi-lingual pamphlets of do’s and don’ts besides indicating road map and all other facilities available for yatris. While reviewing contingency plan, the Div Com informed that contingency plan is in place and several locations enroute are identified besides German Hanger with capacity of 1000 persons is also hired. Regarding availability of essential commodities and firewood, the meeting was informed that sufficient quantity of essential commodities is available which is already dumped at designated stations. Providing quality healthcare facilities to Yatirs at Emergency Hospital Baltal Base Camp, the Director Health informed that 40-bedded Hospital has already been made functional besides sufficient stock of life-saving drugs, additional stock of oxygen cylinders and other medical facilities like X-ray, ECG are available besides six other locations are already identified enroute for oxygen booths. The Advisor directed the concerned officials that tents and Langar should be strictly installed as per the layout design already formulated and urged for ensuring that all camps and Langar are equipped with fire extinguisher equipment.(KNO)