SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Pandurang K Pole on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the preparation of concerned departments regarding the annual Amarnath yatra.
He said that during the current year, the influx of Yatris may be higher as the yatra could not happen smoothly in the previous couple of years due to Covid pandemic.
He directed all the departments to prepare and project enhanced plan by fifty percent. He also asked all the officers to increase the capacity of camping sites, parking places and service facilities including health, drinking water, toilet and other facilities.
Emphasizing on the registration of all pony wallas, labourers, Pole directed concerned officers for hiring pony wallas from other districts to cater to the demand.
He directed PWD for widening of roads at critical junctions, culverts and reparation of damages caused by cloudbursts to physical infrastructure near holy cave during the previous year.
He also directed for advance planning and coordinated synergy to cater all the requirements of Yatris, so that no shortfall shall be projected during Yatra.
Stressing on early execution of works, the Div Com directed all the departments to start execution of work from the first week of April, as the snowfall was less during this winter and complete all the works and preparation by May 15.
Moreover, Pole directed for establishing oxygen booths, Covid testing facilities for Yatris.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Anantnag, Bandipora and Ganderbal, Additional CEO, SASB, Directors of RDD, ULB, FCS&CA, Tourism, Health Services, Animal Husbandry, DMR RR&R and IMD Kashmir; representatives of PWD, KPDCL, PHE, I&FC, BRO Kashmir, RTO Kashmir, JD Information, Fire & Emergency Kashmir; Chief Executive Officer, PDA &SDA, Commandant, SDRF and NDRF, Regional Director Social Forestry of Kashmir, Deputy Labour Commissioner Kashmir and other officers.

KR Desk