Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra on Saturday reviewed the security arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra along south Kashmir’s Pahalgam route.
Vohra, who is also the chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), visited various halting points of the Yatra and reviewed the security and other arrangements being made to receive the pilgrims.
An official statement said: “The Governor directed the Camp Director and other functionaries to particularly ensure effective sanitary arrangements in respect of the functioning of toilet and bath units and the day-to-day cleaning of the Camp areas.
“After visiting the Sheshnag camp, Vohra visited the Pahalgam Helipad where he inaugurated the newly-constructed Waiting Hall for the Yatris who would be travelling by the helicopter to Panjtarni.”
The Governor appreciated the Pahalgam Development Authority’s initiative to establish this facility which will be beneficial for all the pilgrims and tourists visiting Pahalgam.
“They proceeded by road to Chandanwari camp and inspected the ongoing works to upgrade the Chandanwari Access Control Gate. He also visited the area where Langars, shops and other facilities are being set up.
“After Chandanwari, the Governor returned to the Nunwan (Pahalgam) Yatra Base Camp and held a meeting with Central Armed Police Forces, representatives of the Army, Police and all concerned Divisional and District Level officers,” the statement added.
The Governor reviewed, in detail, all important matters relating to the security of movements of the pilgrims and of the Service Providers who had already started arriving.
He also directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South Kashmir Amit Kumar to ensure complete coordination with CRPF, BSF, ITBP, Army and the Traffic Police and secure adequate advance information about all Yatra-related vehicular movements from Banihal onwards, both towards Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
“He also reviewed the status of water supply, electricity, rations including cooking gas, firewood and medical facilities at each of the Yatra Camps visited by him,” the statement added.
Vohra emphasized that the Lay Out Plan prepared for each Camp location is strictly adhered to and tents, shops and langars are pitched strictly as per the Plan, with adequate fire gaps between them.
“He was informed that the STP at Nunwan is being upgraded using the latest technology and will made functional before the start of Yatra,” the statement added.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra begins on June 28.