The Government has decided to use social media to attract the Shri Amarnathji Yatra pilgrims to the potential tourist destinations and prolong their stay in the state.Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh, while reviewing the arrangements for the annual yatra here today, asked the tourism department to reach out to the pilgrims through social media to invite them to the places of attraction both in Kashmir and Jammu division.“The govt should keep record of pilgrims including their phone numbers at the time of registration, many also get short period SIM cards from here. The department can easily invite them by showcasing places of attraction both in Kashmir and Jammu for the benefit of local traders” he said and also suggested to launch an App having full information about the Yatra procedure and other places of attraction in the state.
Minister of State for Tourism Priya Sethi, members of civil society, representatives of traders, religious organizations besides senior civil and police officers including Divisional Commissioner, Jammu MK Bhandari, IGP Jammu SD Singh Jamwal, IG (Traffic) Jagjit Kumar, DIG, Ashkoor Wani, Deputy Commissioners of Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu, Commissioner JMC, Chief Engineers of PWD, PDD and PHE, ADC Jammu and other senior officers of district administration, police and Tourism were present on the occasion.Meanwhile the meeting discussed various matters including registration of yatris, accommodation, Medicare facilities, transport facilities, ration, boarding and lodging facilities, supply of drinking water, sanitation, communication and cleanliness at base camps, besides establishment of control rooms at all halting stations.
Dr. Singh directed for providing round-the-clock power and water supply at Jammu base camp -Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas. He asked RTO, Jammu and Traffic Police to keep a strict check on overcharging by auto rickshaws and other passenger vehicles, besides directing SRTC officers to arrange additional buses for the Sadhus for their comfortable travel.the security agencies were directed to make fool proof security arrangements for ensuring the safety of pilgrims during the yatra. NHAI was asked to upgrade roads leading from Lakhanpur to Banihal.priya Sethi directed for carrying out plantation drives across the State and stress should be laid on beautifying vicinity of Jammu Airport for giving a festive look to the city.She asked the Tourism authorities to create mass awareness about the registration process at different locations across the state.