Ganderbal, June 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited Baltal today to assess the readiness of the ShriAmarnathJi annual pilgrimage via the Baltal route.
The Lieutenant Governor assessed the arrangements for healthcare, electricity, communication, water supply and sanitation, weather forecasting, disaster management, security grid, and all other basic necessities for pilgrims.
He directed that Yatra Base Camp have an adequate number of doctors, staff, equipment, medicines, and oxygen cylinders. BRO was directed to mobilise resources and complete all work prior to the start of the Yatra.
“Since Yatra is in difficult terrain at an altitude where the oxygen levels are low, healthcare facilities, care around the clock must be ensured,” said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor impressed upon the officials to ensure communication services on yatra route and night air services. He further directed for fitting tented accommodations with fire extinguishing equipment.
“Overall arrangements for Yatra have been upgraded and all the concerned departments to take necessary steps for making the pilgrimage convenient, safe and hassle-free,” he said
At Yatra Base Camp in Baltal, the Lt Governor inspected the ongoing work at DRDO’s Hospital and other facilities for the pilgrims.It was informed that the hospital will be made functional by June 17.
Dr Syed AbidRasheed Shah, Secretary Tourism Department; Dr Raghav Langer, Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring Department and Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner,Ganderbal were also present.
Before on-site inspection, a review meeting was held at Sonamarg that was attended by Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, ShriAmarnathji Shrine Board; MandeepKaur, Commissioner/Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and senior officials of ShriAmarnathji Shrine Board, Civil Administration, Police, CAPFs and Army.
