Minister for Transport, Abdul Gani Kohli today visited Amarnath Yatra base camps at Manigam and Shadipora and took stock of the facilities available for Yatris. Secretary Transport Mr. Baseer Ahmed Khan, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr. Showkat Aijaz, Special Secretary Transport, Mr. Itrat Hussain and other officers accompanied the Minister during his tour.The Minister was apprised that 24 buses of Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) have been put in place for transporting Yatris from Jammu to base camp Manigam. He was also informed about the facilities being provided by the district administration for the convenience of the Yatris.
The Minister was informed that 45 Government School buildings have been identified for accommodating the Yatris in case of any emergency.
The Minister was also apprised that adequate drinking water, power supply, ration, medicare facilities are available in the base camp. A 40 bedded hospital at Sanomarg is also available and functional. He was also informed that Disaster Management Centres have been established en-route Pandach to Baltal.
The Minister directed the concerned to ensure every possible help to the Yatris. He also asked them to check registration and medical fitness certificate of every Yatri and directed them not allow any tourist for performing the Yatra without proper permission from the concerned authorities.A deputation of Yatris from Mumbai, Gujarat, UP and New Delhi met the Minister.
The Minister welcomed them and assured that every possible help would be provided by the Government.The Minister also inspected various langars and enquired about the food grains available in theses langars.Local people also met the Minister and briefed him about the arrangements made by them for the convenience of the Yatris. The Minister appreciated the role of local people for making the Yatra comfortable. He said that Kashmir is known for hospitality and brotherhood.