Srinagar, July 09: In a significant development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting with senior administrative and police officials, as well as representatives from the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, to review the arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage and the ongoing restoration work of a damaged stretch of the national highway, caused by incessant rain. The meeting aimed to ensure the seamless movement of pilgrims and expedite the repair process.
During the meeting, Secretary of Public Works (R&B) informed the Lieutenant Governor that the restoration work at the damaged Panthyal Ramban stretch is being carried out at a war footing.
Lt Governor Sinha, in response, directed the officials to station necessary manpower and materials at key locations, emphasizing the importance of timely action and road maintenance. He further instructed the officials to monitor the situation continuously and take immediate steps whenever necessary. The meeting also explored alternative routes, including the utilization of the Mughal road, to facilitate traffic movement.
Regarding the restoration of the damaged stretch, the Lieutenant Governor stated, “J&K Administration is coordinating with the Union Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways and NHAI on early restoration of the damaged stretch. Pilgrims and the public should be informed about the weather conditions and the status of the Yatra on a real-time basis.”
Lt Governor Sinha stressed the need to provide necessary assistance, lodging, and food arrangements for the pilgrims, while also optimizing the utilization of major camps and enhancing medical facilities. He further instructed officials to increase the holding capacity in the Kashmir Division for devotees returning after darshan, considering the closure of the National Highway. The Lt Governor also emphasized the importance of enhancing facilities at health centers in both divisions and maximizing the utilization of the holding area at Kathua, which serves as the entry point to J&K.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the extraordinary efforts of various departments and agencies, including J&K Police, Army, CAPFs, civil administration, camp directors, and SASB officials, for their dedicated work in restoring arrangements and ensuring the provision of the best possible facilities, despite the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.
Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, briefed the attendees on the deployment of Mountain Rescue Teams along the tracks to facilitate the pilgrims, highlighting the round-the-clock efforts of Yatra nodal officers and stakeholders in ensuring smooth arrangements.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; RK Goyal, ACS Home; Dilbag Singh, DGP; RR Swain, Special DG CID; Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioners; Deputy Commissioners; senior officers from civil administration, police, SASB, camp directors, nodal officers, and other concerned officials.
