Chief Secretary Reviews Preparations for Shri AmarnathJi Yatra 2024
Today, the Chief Secretary, Sh. Atal Dulloo, conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations being made by the administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual Shri AmarnathJi Yatra (SANJY) 2024.
Senior officials from the civil and police administration, including the Director General of Police (DGP), Administrative Secretaries, concerned Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments (HoDs), and representatives from the Shri AmarnathJi Shrine Board (SASB), Border Roads Organization (BRO), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Telecom Service Providers, and Disaster Management Agencies, participated in the meeting.
During the session, the Chief Secretary evaluated the progress made by the BRO in maintaining tracks on both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes, in compliance with directives from the Supreme Court. He examined the status of various works such as widening of walking tracks/passages and installation of railing and retaining walls as mandated by the Supreme Court. Additionally, he inquired about disaster mitigation measures, including the demarcation of flood-prone/vulnerable zones and other preparedness initiatives undertaken by the divisional administrations, akin to those implemented in 2023. He emphasized the necessity of delineating safer zones for the setup of langars and tentages for the pilgrims.
Dulloo also evaluated the tasks assigned to the Rural Development Department (RDD) in collaboration with the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) to ensure adequate sanitation arrangements during the Yatra 2024. These initiatives encompassed the installation of an adequate number of toilets/baths with provisions for sufficient water supply, deployment of sanitation workers and supervisors, and the implementation of scientific waste disposal methods.
Furthermore, the Chief Secretary reviewed the plans outlined by the Health, Jal Shakti, Power Development Department (PDD), Animal Husbandry, Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Transport, IMD, and Information Departments to provide hassle-free services to the pilgrims. He also sought assurances from Telecom service providers and Disaster Management agencies regarding their preparedness to ensure the success of this year’s yatra.
Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, who also serves as the CEO of the Shrine Board, highlighted various aspects and facilities extended by the administration to the pilgrims during the yatra. He shared insights into the successful practices from the 2023 Yatra and outlined new measures to enhance the smoothness and success of this year’s pilgrimage.
