Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Choudhary visited Yatra base camps at Nunwan and Chandanwari and took stock of the ongoing works relating to the arrangements to be put in place by the administration for smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra which will commence on June 29, 2017.MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani, Chief Engineer PHE Kashmir G M Bhat, Chief Engineer I&FC Kashmir Imtiaz Ahmad Dar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Mohammad Younis Malik, SDM Pahalgam and other senior officers of district administration accompanied the Minister during his visit.The Minister went round the camps at Nunwan and Chandanwari and inspected potable water supply arrangements, medical facility, sanitation and langar facilities. He also enquired about the security arrangements.At Pahalgam, the Minister also chaired a meeting to review the preparations made for the smooth conduct of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, 2017.ADC Anantnag apprised the meeting with detailed presentation about the status of ongoing works at both the camps and en-route Holy Cave.It was informed that the track is almost clear except few spots with heavy snow. He said that the crate protection and the work of putting safety railing are underway and soon will be completed. He also said that widening of track is being done to provide ample space to walk easily. Re-erection of pre fabricated huts at all important location is also undergoing.ADC further informed that around 48 Disaster Management centres will be established to cope with any kind of natural and mankind calamity.
The meeting was informed that PHE department has been doing the job of providing potable water at the camps and en-route the holy cave. Works on constructing a water reservoir at Panjtarni to deal with fire emergency is underwayRelating to health care facilities, it was told that capacity of 30 bed hospital will be functional at Chandanwari and 51 medical aid centres will be established throughout the 32 kms of track. These centres will have adequate stock of essential drugs with portable oxygen cylinders. In addition to this, the building of Yatri Niwas at Pahalgam will be handed over to health department for creating health infra. One Critical Care ambulance will also be placed at Pahalgam.About PDD related arrangements, it was apprised that the department is in the process of procuring Gensets for the Yatra and that the High Mast Lamps shall be replaced by the LED lamps within days.Pahalgam Development Authority informed that all works related to Yatra-2017 have been allotted at all locations after proper tendering process. Renovation work on 30 shelter sheds has also been started.
Detailed discussion held on various other important issues including security arrangements, sanitation at base and transit camps, essential supplies including ration, kerosene oil, fire wood and LPG etc at different locations, proper disposal of solid and liquid waste material, smooth traffic arrangements, tent accommodation, fixation of taxi fare, registration of ponies and shopkeepers and others.MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani said that it is the responsibility of everyone linked to the Yatra, be it government officials or locals to provide basic facilities to the pilgrims. He asked the district administration and PDA officials to ensure all the arrangements are put in place well in time.Altaf Ahmad Wani said that it is a matter of pride for the people of Pahalgam that they gets the opportunity to host Shri Amarnathji Yatra and are looking forward to a very successful Yatra this year. He said the locals are ready to welcome the pilgrims and ensure that every kind of service and help would be offered to the people coming as part of annual Yatra.
The MLA also stressed on putting special focus on sanitation arrangements so that there will be no threat to the clean environment of Pahalgam.Addressing the meeting, the Minister directed the concerned authorities for making foolproof arrangements for smooth conduct of Yatra and ensuring that the Yatris coming from different parts of the country should not face any inconvenience.The Minister emphasized upon the authorities to work with synergy and keep close coordination with each other including Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board so that Yatra concludes in a cordial atmosphere.Expressing satisfaction about the steps initiated by the administration for the Yatra, the Minister stressed the need for close coordination between various agencies for achieving better results. He impressed upon all the concerned departments to understand their role and make best possible efforts to make the Yatra success.Sham Lal Choudhary also interacted with the security personnel’s deployed at the base camps and asked them to remain alert throughout the Yatra.