In order to make Katra city neat and clean as already stressed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), District Development Commissioner Reasi Ravinder Kumar today called a meeting of officers to chalk out an action plan for end to end progress on the ground.The DDC stressed for registration of mules and horses on fast track basis on the principle of ‘first come, first serve’ after fulfilling all requisite formalities and to complete the task as soon as possible and further stressed that no such unregistered animal would run on the route in any circumstances. It was decided in the meeting that there would be joint operation on regular basis by SDM Katra and other concerned officers to stop the parking of horses or mules on any part of river Ban Ganga within its 200 meter limits and officers were directed to act tough against the wrongdoers besides imposing fines amounting to Rs 2000 on them.
The DDC also stressed the officers to allow only registered animals for carrying pilgrims and commodities along the route and demolish all unauthorized pony sheds in Katra. The DDC said that any untagged horse or pony would not be allowed on the track.Instructions were also passed on to the doctors of Animal Husbandry department to ensure regular checkups of such animals besides providing them with medicines and ointments.SDM Katra, Tehsildar and other concerned officers were also asked to install banners and flex at conspicuous places and also distribute pamphlets to the pony, horse owners and all other people for wide publicity of this ongoing exercise in the holy destination.Slew of directions were also passed to the officers to undertake stiff operation to reduce the influx and usage of polythene bags in the town. Other major issues discussed in the meeting were fire stations for Kakriyal and new bus stand.