Two thousand Yatries registered for Amaranth Ji Yatra so far: Div Com

PAHALGAM, JUNE 01: In connection with Shri Amaranth Ji Yatra, a high level follow up review meeting was held here today under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir , Dr.Asgar Samoon.

Principal Secretary to Governor, Mr. R.K Goel was also present in the meeting.

The meeting was informed that so far two lakh pilgrims have registered themselves at various branches of J&K Bank across the Country. It was also told in the meeting that the Yatra will commence from June 29,2011.

During the meeting various issues related to smooth functioning of Amaranth Ji Yatra, registration of pack & riding ponies, establishment of Langars, supply of power and  drinking water, availability of medicare, tele communication, essential commodities, sanitation, opening of ATMs, hire charges of collies,dandiwalls and pack and riding ponies were discussed threadbare.

The meeting was told that 4000 quintals of firewood would be kept available by the Forest Department at various halting stations while temporary medical license would be provided for setting up temporary medical shops.The meeting further told that fair price shops would also be set up by the CAPD and Cooperative Society.

Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary said that Helicopter service would be pressed into service to facilitate the pilgrims from Pahalgam to Panjtarni,for which Rs3450 has been fixed as fair charges while during the last year it was Rs.3800. He directed Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag who is also Yatra Officer to keep a strict vigil on the rates fixed on all the halting stations particularly at Panjtarni.

            Mr. Goel asked the Director Animal Husbandry to start registration process of the ponies immediately and ensure fitness of ponies. The meeting was told that last year 7445 horses were registered and this year it is expected to touch more than 8000.

            The Divisional Commissioner directed Chief Engineer, R&B for immediate repair and restoration of the road from Chandanwari to Holy Cave before yatra takes off and also directed the Chief Engineer , Power for installation of Diesel Generator sets so that the pilgrims do not face any inconvenience during the yatra. The Chief Engineer informed that power supply at the Base Camp Nunwan has been restored and four Diesel Generator Sets are in readiness and rest work is going apace.

            The Director CAPD was asked to display prominently the rates of essentials and other items at various places in Pahalgam.

            The meeting was also told that Meteorology Department has made all arrangements for disseminating the weather report at all the stations, as well as Radio and DDK for the convenience of yatries.

            Meanwhile, Mr. Goel said that the Shrine Board has also made arrangements in place for making Pahalgam town polythene free and garbage. It was stated in the meeting that Urban Local Bodies has deployed 300 labourers from Sarbal to Pahlagm to ensure cleanliness. It was also told in the meeting that 12 medical camps with all medicare facilities would be established by the Health Department. In addition, 5 each camps would also be established at Baltal and Pahalgam by Indian System of Medicines.

            Later, the Divisional Commissioner asked the officers to make all the necessary arrangements for deputing their staff for Amaranth Ji Yatra from June 15 and maintain close liaison to ensure hassle free yatra.

            The meeting was attended by Col J.Nair(RR) Col DD S Paul, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag,Mr.Kifayat Hussain Rizvi,DIG, Traffic, Vijay Kumar, SSP,Anantnag, Chief Engineers of Power and PHE,Director Animal Husbandry, Director CAPD,Deputy Drug Controller and representatives of BSNL,Forest,Information, Urban Local Bodies, Labour, J&K Bank and other concerned Officers.