First National level review meet on Amarnath Yatra held in Sgr

Srinagar, Dec 20: In a significant development, the National Level Review and Planning Meeting on Amarnath Yatra was conducted in Srinagar on Wednesday, marking the inaugural instance of a technical meeting held in the region. Chaired by Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the meeting aimed to deliberate on modalities for the seamless conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
At the meeting, officials addressed the rising concern of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country. Atul Goel assured the public, stating that normal precautions could limit the spread of the virus. He urged young people to be extra cautious, considering the potential impact on the elderly.
“Earlier, the meeting used to be held virtually. The meeting was held for preparation of the upcoming yatra. This is an auspicious beginning as yatra is held in Kashmir valley,” Goel said.
The meeting addressed enhanced healthcare measures for the annual pilgrimage, ensuring pilgrims receive top-notch healthcare services throughout the yatra period.
When asked about the rise in Covid-19 cases in some parts of the country, Atul Goel, on the sidelines of the event, said at some places cases are increasing and there is no need to worry.
“If we take normal precautions that would help to limit its spread and that is enough. The young people have to be extra cautious as they move out and may take virus back to their home which affects the elderly people,” he said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, highlighted the crucial health aspect of the pilgrimage, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges posed by high-altitude locations like Baltal and Pahalgam. Bidhuri emphasized two key aspects: proactive screening of individuals with pre-existing medical conditions and robust education of pilgrims about the unique characteristics of the pilgrimage sites.
Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department (H&ME) Department, Bhupinder Kumar, joined the meeting virtually and expressed gratitude for holding the event in Srinagar. He outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing facilities for yatris and making their journey more comfortable. Kumar stressed the importance of allowing only physically fit individuals for the pilgrimage due to the high altitude of the yatra sites.
Dr. L. Swasticharan, Additional Director General, Union Ministry of Health, proposed a coordinated mechanism between different Union Territories, the Ministry of Health, and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to upgrade services for the yatra. He also called for a comprehensive media plan to inform pilgrims about the challenges they might face.
Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, described the meeting as historical, highlighting the annual training programs conducted for healthcare workers and yatris. The overarching goal, he stated, was to ensure the safe embarkation of yatris on their journey.