Ganderbal, May 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the government has launched full-scale preparations for upcoming religious events, including the Kheer Bhawani Mela and the annual Amarnath Yatra, with a strong emphasis on ensuring safety and smooth execution.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Ganderbal, the Chief Minister stated that civil and security arrangements are progressing in tandem. “As far as civil arrangements are concerned, preparations are underway. On the security front, all necessary measures will be taken,” he said. “Our complete effort is to ensure the successful conduct of the Kheer Bhawani Mela on June 3, followed by a peaceful and safe Amarnath Yatra via both Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam routes.”
Omar Abdullah reaffirmed that the safety of pilgrims remains the top priority. “We want all pilgrims to return safely. Only after the Yatra concludes peacefully will we shift focus to reviving tourism in the Union Territory,” he added.
Acknowledging that the tourism sector has been adversely affected, the Chief Minister expressed cautious optimism. “It is encouraging to see interest from outside tour operators. Some groups have already started arriving. Once the situation stabilises, we will engage with stakeholders to chalk out a comprehensive plan for tourism revival.”
During his visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated several developmental projects aimed at improving public welfare. These included the much-awaited Water Supply Scheme at Bakura, expected to benefit over 4,000 residents with access to clean drinking water, and the Old Age Home at Pandach, a step toward ensuring dignity and care for senior citizens.
He also laid the foundation stone of the Science Block at the Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Safapora, and underlined the importance of technological advancement in empowering youth. “Technology is the backbone of modern entrepreneurship. Our youth must be equipped to lead the future,” he said.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple to inspect arrangements ahead of the upcoming mela. “Ensuring a smooth, safe, and welcoming environment for devotees remains our top priority,” he noted.
In a move aimed at social inclusion, CM Omar Abdullah distributed scooties to specially-abled individuals in Ganderbal. He was accompanied by Minister Sakina Itoo, Minister Javed Rana, and Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani.
“My government is committed to building an inclusive society where everyone can thrive,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s focus on equitable development.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues—Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health & Medical Education Departments Sakeena Itoo, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmad Rana, Minister for Agriculture Javed Ahmad Dar and Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani.
Additional Chief Secretary Education Shantmanu, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department Sanjeev Verma, Director Social Welfare Kashmir Mohammad Akbar Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, Chief Engineer Public Works (R&B) Department Kashmir Sajjad Naqeeb and other concerned officers also accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit.
Director Information reviews key arrangements for SANJY-2025
Stresses on seamless arrangements, coordination at all designated stations
SRINAGAR, MAY 20: The Director of Information, Jammu and Kashmir, Nitish Rajora, today chaired a meeting at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations in Srinagar to review the arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY).
At the outset, the Director took a comprehensive review of logistical arrangements, focusing on the installation of public address systems (PAS), staff deployment, and the development of a robust media and publicity plan.
Emphasising the need for early preparedness, Rajora stressed the importance of ensuring seamless coordination across all designated locations and called for foolproof arrangements to ensure smooth operations. He specifically instructed that the installation of PAS be completed well in advance at all earmarked spots to facilitate the convenience of pilgrims.
The Director further directed that preparations related to the installation of hoardings, banners, and other publicity materials be finalised promptly at all identified locations.
Issuing strict instructions for effective coordination, Rajora highlighted that all stations must remain fully functional throughout the pilgrimage. He urged officials to ensure a smooth operation at every stage until the conclusion of the sacred yatra.
During the meeting, officers provided updates on the current status of arrangements, including the availability of staff and the installation of necessary equipment and machinery for the seamless functioning of stations during the yatra. The officials also briefed the Director on the facilities being established, following past practices.
Rajora underscored the significance of effective publicity campaigns to disseminate vital information about the Yatra and ensure that pilgrims are well-informed ahead of the pilgrimage.
The meeting was attended by Joint Director Headquarters Vivek Puri, Joint Director Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Ahmad Bukhari, Joint Director Jammu Deepak Dubey, Deputy Director Information PR, Deputy Director Central, District Information Officers, and other concerned officials.
