Kathua, May 09: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rakesh Minhas on Tuesday directed the concerned departments to focus on the completion of remaining works well before the commencement of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2023, keeping in mind the increased influx of pilgrims being anticipated due to easing out of Covid restrictions.
The DC chaired a meeting of officers to review the arrangements being put in place for the smooth conduct of the yatra. It was decided in the meeting that Registrar Suresh Chander will be the overall Nodal Officer for SANJY-2023, while DC State Taxes, Ranjeet Singh will act as Nodal Officer for Lakhanpur Facilitation Centre.
The District Administration Kathua will prepare a contingency plan to accommodate 7500 pilgrims in the wake of the halt of the yatra due to inclement weather or any other emergency. For smooth issuance of RFID tags to the registered pilgrims, the district administration has decided to double the number of counters to six at Lakhanpur Facilitation Centre as this will lower the rush at the Jammu Base camp.
The DC impressed upon the stakeholder departments to submit action plans related to the provision of safe drinking water, power supply, medical facilities, sanitation, installation of toilets, Sanitation facilities, lodging and langar facilities, traffic and security arrangements etc. He directed the departments to work in tandem for finalizing the necessary arrangements at the earliest.
The DC stressed on training and sensitization of the staff to facilitate the yatris besides maintaining proper cleanliness and sanitation in the Lakhanpur corridor and along the yatra routes. He further directed Municipal authorities, PWD, NHAI and RDD to ensure proper functioning and maintenance of public toilets during the entire period of the yatra.
Directing the concerned officers of the NHAI & Tourism department, the DC called for ensuring the installation of digital screens, hoardings and signages at Lakhanpur and at important points on the yatra route across the district. It was informed in the meeting that cultural programmes will be held at Lakhanpur on opening day and during Yatra time for the entertainment of the Yatris.
The meeting also discussed in the length of facilities in lodgment centres, illumination of dark spots, the establishment of SRTC counter, control room, disaster plan, check on the quality of food and eatables, proper sanitation on yatra route and enforcement of anti-polythene measures, etc.
