Srinagar, Feb 10: The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir said on Saturday high preparations are in place for the 4th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games at Ski Resort Gulmarg, which will commence on the 21st of this month.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event here, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, said all the preparations have been completed. He stated that in the coming days, a meeting for preparations will also take place to ensure the smooth functioning of the event.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Secretary J&K Sports Council, Director Srinagar Airport Authority, CEO Gulmarg, RTO Kashmir, Addl Secretary AACL, Joint Director Information Kashmir, SSP Baramulla and Officers of Line departments.
Addressing the officers, Div Com directed concerned to make proper arrangements for the warm receiption of participants at the Srinagar Airport amid the cultural presentations & performances.
He instructed for direct transportation of participants from Airport to Gulmarg under proper ROP.
Div Com directed all HoDs to identify accommodation for their respective staff members whose servics are required for smooth conduct of National Event.
Similarly, for the publicity of the event, Div Com enjoined on Secretary Sports Council to give wide publicity of 4th Edition of Khelo India Winter Games through hoardings from Srinagar Airport to the main venue.
In view of Snowfall, Div Com directed RTO Kashmir and Traffic Police to ensure that transporters must have anti-skid chains for their vehicles.
Director health Services of Kashmir was instructed to ensure availability of expert medical & paramedics staff at Gulmarg and Srinagar Airport besides ensure availability of only approved medicines for players.
Also, PDD & PHE were directed to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and drinking water respectively besides availability of field staff.
SMC was told to conduct cleanliness drive from Airport to Narbal while ULB was directed to ensure clean roads beyond the Narbal to Gulmarg.
CEO, GDA was directed to ensure availability of internet services by vendors for live broadcast of Khelo India events and operation of Ski lift for high altitude games.
As many as 800 athletes are participating in the Khelo India Games this year. Additionally, each game will feature its top players. The Khelo India Games were initially scheduled for the first week of this month. However, the games were rescheduled due to the prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir valley.
After the recent snowfall, the authorities have announced the new schedule, according to which the games will start on February 21st and conclude on February 26th.
The games are organized by the Kashmir Youth Service and Sports Departments in collaboration with the Tourism Department, which is facilitating the Youth Service and Sports Departments.
This year, the government has relocated some winter games to Ladakh UT, including snow skating, ice hockey, and curling, while all major games will be held at Ski Resort Gulmarg.
The people, as well as athletes, are very excited to take part in the Khelo India Winter Games in Kashmir. The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir also stated that previously there were problems with public inconveniences at tourist destinations, including Nishat, Shalimar, and Gulmarg.
Addressing the concern, senior government officials said the same issues have been addressed, and the facility has been put in place at these tourist locations. Additionally, some facilities were constructed on the highway towards Gulmarg to provide amenities to the tourists visiting the ski resorts.
