Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), accompanied by Shri P.K. Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the Pahalgam-Panjtarni route and thereafter visited Panjtarni, Sheshnag and Baltal Yatra Camps and the Check Barrier at Domel to review preparedness for the Yatra. The Governor was briefed about the upgradation of track on Holy Cave-Panjtarni-Sheshnag Sector and Pissu top-Sheshnag-Panjtarni sector, security arrangements and the facilities being established for the establishment of medical facilities, shelter sheds, langars, tents, shops, pre-fabricated huts, toilets, baths etc. The Governor had discussions with senior officers of Army, J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, NDRF, SDRF and the Leader of the Mountain Rescue Team regarding the arrangements being made on and along the tracks for the smooth conduct of Yatra from 2nd July onwards.
While inspecting the Camps, the Governor directed Mr. Naresh Kumar, Camp Director, Mr. Atul Gupta and Mr. Shamsher Singh, Additional and Deputy Camp Directors, Sheshnag; Mr. Sham Lal, Camp Director, Mr. Aman Kumar Thakur, Deputy Camp Director, Panjtarni Camp; and Mr. Rajinder Kumar Sharma, Camp Director, Mr. Suresh Chander, Addl. Camp Director and Mr. Dheeraj Singh Katoch, Deputy Camp Director, Baltal, to ensure close co-ordination amongst various agencies involved in the management of the Yatra and directed the them to have regular meetings every morning and evening with all the security agencies, various departments and other stakeholders to ensure immediate resolution of any arising problem. He also directed them to ensure cleanliness and effective sanitation within the Camp areas.
The Governor directed the concerned Departments particularly the Pahalgam Development Authority to speed up ongoing works on the Chandanwari-Pissu Top- Sheshnag-Mahagunus Top- Poshpatri-Panjtarni track by 30th June latest so as to ensure that Yatris do not face any inconvenience along the tracks. He stressed (R&B) and PDA to complete ongoing railing erection work at all vulnerable stretches along both the tracks. The Governor was informed that in addition to 09 langars, 279 toilets & 33 baths; 800 tents; and 50 shops are being set up at Sheshnag.
Also, the arrangements have been made for stocking of LPG Cylinders, rice, atta, sugar, wheat bran and kerosene oil at the Camp.The Governor was informed that water and electricity supply and telephones are now functional at the Camp. Elaborate arrangements have also been made for extending medical facilities to Yatris by setting up the Base Hospital. In addition, Medical Camps are being set up by ISM, Army, BSF and CRPF. The Health Department will also be setting up Emergency Aid Centre (EAC) between Sheshnag and Wavbal Top, while BSF and State Health Department (SHD) will be setting EAC /MAC at Wavbal Top and MG Top respectively.
While reviewing the security arrangements and other facilities being made at the Panjtarni Camp, the Governor was informed that in addition to 10 langars, 353 toilets/baths; 900 tents; and 50 shops are being set up at Panjtarni.
For providing medical facilities on this axis, the State Health department will be setting up a Base Hospital at Panjtarni and Medical Camps by ISM, BSF and CRPF here; 2 MACs by SHD and BSF at MG Top; 3 MACs by SHD, BSF and CRPF at Poshpatri; an EAC by SHD at Kelnar and Dardkote each by SHD.At Baltal, the Governor was informed that 400 toilets and 100 Baths have been installed till now at Baltal Base Camp and 300 toilets and 50 baths installed between Ranga Morh and Domel. Till date 9 langars at Baltal Base Camp and 25 langars have been set up at Domel. The Governor also visited the Access Control Gate at Domel and reviewed the arrangements made for regulating the movement of the Yatries there.The Governor was also informed that elaborate arrangements have been made for extending medical facilities to the Yatries. A 20 bedded hospital has been set up at Baltal at the old Helipad where specialist doctors will be stationed. X-Ray and pathological laboratory facilities will be available at the Base Hospital. Besides this a MAC has been set up at Domel and a Medical dispensary at the Neelgrath Helipad.To help the old / infirm/ sick Yatris in negotiating difficult stretches on the Yatra routes, 8 Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) of JKAP each comprising 10 Police personnel shall be deployed at Sheshnag, Wavbal and Poshpathri, Kelnar, Sangam. Lower Holy Cave, Railpathri and Brari Marg. Besides 2 MRTs of CRPF will be stationed at Domel and Panjtarni. The Governor was also informed that 10 Teams of SDRF will be deployed at Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Zojibal- Nagakoti, Sheshnag, MG Top, Panjtarni, Holy Cave, Baltal, Brari Marg and Sangam. Besides, 4 NDRF teams will be deployed at Baltal, Panjtarni, Pahalgam and Sheshnag and 36 Dog squads of Army, CRPF, BSF and JKP will also be deployed at various locations.