‘Registration figures encouraging; RFID mandatory; foolproof arrangements in place’
Younus Rashid
Pahalgam (Anantnag), May 30: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday said the administration is strengthening arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra as registration figures received from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) indicate a higher pilgrim turnout this year.
The Div Com made the remarks after chairing a review meeting with stakeholders and officials in Pahalgam to assess preparations for the annual pilgrimage scheduled to begin on July 3.
“Our overall objective is to ensure foolproof and improved arrangements for the Yatra. We expect a higher number of pilgrims this year, as registration figures received from SASB are very encouraging. People across the country have started registering in large numbers. Therefore, arrangements must be strengthened accordingly,” Garg told reporters after the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, senior officers from various departments, and representatives of stakeholder groups, including pony operators, palki operators, tent owners, hotel associations and taxi operators.
Div Com Garg said the SASB and district administration regularly issue advisories for pilgrims and urged them to follow the guidelines and cooperate with security agencies.
“RFID cards, which have been mandatory for the past few Yatra seasons, must be obtained before commencing the pilgrimage,” he said.
He said the district administration was working on prepaid facilities and digitisation of services to ensure hassle-free arrangements for pilgrims. “The Deputy Commissioner and his team are working extensively on prepaid facilities and digitisation of services so that pilgrims can avail themselves of hassle-free services,” he said, adding that pilgrims should also explore other tourist destinations across Kashmir during their visit.
Referring to the role of local stakeholders, the Div Com said their experience remained crucial for the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
“The stakeholders are an integral part of the Yatra and have always played a key role in its successful conduct. All associations and stakeholders gave positive feedback and suggested ways to further improve services during this year’s Yatra,” he said.
According to the Divisional Commissioner, suggestions related to sanitation, traffic management, infrastructure, telecom connectivity and coordination with security agencies were discussed with the concerned departments for implementation within fixed timelines.
The Div Com said this year’s Yatra would commence on July 3 after the Pratham Puja on June 29 and continue for 57 days till August 28.
“It has always been our tradition that all stakeholders work together to make this Yatra successful. Our purpose in coming to Pahalgam today was to interact with all stakeholders. They shared their feedback and experiences from last year and suggested ways in which pilgrim facilitation can be further improved,” he said.
Garg said the administration was continuously reviewing arrangements and ensuring that timelines fixed by the Lieutenant Governor, who is also Chairman of SASB, are adhered to.
“We are constantly reviewing arrangements with all departments associated with the Yatra. It was also important that senior officers from Srinagar participate in this meeting so that the timelines fixed by the Lieutenant Governor are strictly followed and all works scheduled for this year are completed by June 15-20,” he said.
He added that track maintenance works being undertaken by BEACON were also reviewed and would continue to be monitored on the ground.
“Our effort is to ensure that all preparations are completed on time and that the expectations associated with this sacred pilgrimage are fully met,” Div Com Garg said.