Calls for taking all preparatory steps to ensure smooth arrival & transit of pilgrims
KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Rakesh Minhas on Tuesday chaired a meeting of officers to review the arrangements being put in place for smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2023.
It was decided in the meeting that Registrar Suresh Chander will be the overall Nodal Officer for SANJY-2023, while DC State Taxes, Ranjeet Singh will act as Nodal Officer for Lakhanpur Facilitation Centre.
The DC, while reviewing progress of the arrangements, directed the concerned departments to focus on completion of remaining works well before the commencement of the Yatra keeping in mind the increased influx of pilgrims being anticipated due to easing out of Covid restrictions.
It was decided in the meeting that District Administration Kathua will prepare a contingency plan to accommodate 7500 pilgrims in wake of halt of Yatra due to inclement weather or any other emergency.
For smooth issuance of RFID tags to the registered pilgrims, the district administration has decided to double the number of counters to six at Lakhanpur Facilitation Centre as this will lower the rush at Jammu Base camp.
The DC impressed upon the stakeholder departments to submit action plans related to provision of safe drinking water, power supply, Medical facilities, sanitation, installation of toilets, Sanitation facilities, lodging and langar facilities, Traffic and security arrangements etc. He directed the departments to work in tandem for finalising the necessary arrangements at the earliest.
The DC also stressed on training & sensitization of Staff to facilitate the yatris besides maintaining proper Cleanliness and Sanitation in Lakhanpur corridor and along the yatra routes. He further directed Municipal authorities, PWD, NHAI and RDD to ensure proper functioning and maintenance of public toilets during the entire period of Yatra.
Directing the concerned officers of NHAI & Tourism department, the DC called for ensuring installation of digital screens, hoardings and signages at Lakhanpur and at important points on Yatra route across the district.
It was given out in the meeting that cultural programmes will be held at Lakhanpur on opening day and during Yatra time for the entertainment of the Yatris.
The meeting also discussed in length facilities in lodgement centres, illumination of dark spots, establishment of SRTC counter, control room, disaster plan, check on quality of food and eatables, proper sanitation on yatra route and enforcement of anti-polythene measures etc.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Deepika Rana, Principal GMC Kathua, ACR, RTO besides other officers attended the meeting.