District Development Commissioner Kathua, Rohit Khajuria today chaired a meeting of district officers and civil society members to discuss the arrangements for smooth conduct of annual Yatra of Shri Amarnath Ji which will begin on June 28, 2018.DDC laid focus on making fool proof security arrangements for which SSP was directed to install special nakas, round the clock patrolling, CCTV installation at langar sites and other vital locations. He also called for installing water coolers at Lakhanpur and other points across the national highway. Issues ranging from sanitation, supply of LPG cylinder at langar sites, readiness of fire tender and contingency plan were also discussed in detail.The DDC also emphasized on making adequate arrangements of sanitation, electricity, lodging and other amenities for the Yatirs. He directed the concerned departments to formulate comprehensive plans in advance for providing health, water and accommodation facilities to the pilgrims.The meeting was informed that suitable sites have been identified in the district along the N.H. for the lodging of yatris with all necessary facilities of drinking water, electricity, toilet and sanitation in case of yatra halt.The DDC directed the police and security agencies to work out a foolproof security plan for adequate deployment of personnel at the places identified for establishment of Langars and accommodation of the pilgrims and along the Yatra route.
He also directed for framing traffic management plan with special focus on one time checking procedure so that yatris shall not face any hardship.A Coordination Committee was also constituted for keeping a check on quality and rates of eatables in the market. The Committee would also coordinate for maintaining hygienic condition and cleanliness at Langar and accommodation sites.It was decided that a control room would be established at Lakhanpur to synchronize efforts for providing all basic services to the pilgrims.The meeting further decided to deploy well equipped medical teams at Lakhanpur and langar sites besides establishment of facilitation center for the convenience of yatris.Earlier, DDC took the suggestions of social organizations and civil society members for providing better arrangements to the yatris.They assured to extend full cooperation to the administration for the successful conduct of the Yatra.Later, DDC reviewed arrangements put in place by the administration for the ensuing holy month of Ramzan and held threadbare discussions with the officers of various departments.The DDC directed the concerned departments to make adequate arrangements to provide better amenities to the people and intensify market checking to keep check on overcharging and quality of edibles . He asked all the concerned officers to intensify sanitation operations and ensure cleanliness in and around the mosques.SSP Kathua Shridhar Patil, ADC, ACR, RTO, EO, CMO, AD FCS & CA, Engineers, DD Fire and Emergency Services and other officers attended the meeting.