Jammu : Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and Additional Director General of Police Jammu zone, Mukesh Singh, today assessed the preparations for the annual Baba Buda Amarnath Ji Yatra here at a meeting with the concerned Deputy Commissioners, officers and civil society members.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Police, Traffic, Health, Public Works Department (PWD), Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Jal Shakti, and representatives from Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas, as well as other civil society members.
The Deputy Commissioners of Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi, along with SSPs, participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the office bearers of Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas informed that this year, the yatra is scheduled to begin on August 18 and conclude on August 27.
The Div Com reviewed in detail different arrangements, including security, transportation of pilgrims, arrangements for Langers (community kitchens), medical facilities, sanitation, water and power supply, traffic management, and lodging and boarding facilities for pilgrims.
The Deputy Commissioner Poonch informed the Div Com about the locations identified for providing accommodation to the pilgrims in the district.
The Div Com instructed the DC Poonch to ensure that all basic facilities are made available for the safe and comfortable stay of the Yatris (pilgrims). He emphasized on making provision of hygienic food, regular water and power supply and better sanitation at all designated places.
The Chief Engineer of PWD was directed to take necessary measures to fill potholes and carry out blacktopping of roads leading to the Shrine to improve transportation for the yatris.
The Div Com stressed the importance of coordination in making adequate arrangements and called for making available mobile toilets, medical facilities at various en-route stations like Akhnoor, Nowshera, Sundarbani, and Rajouri, Mandi- Poonch.
Regarding the further journey of Buda Amarnath pilgrims to pay obeisance at Shiv Khori Shrine, the Div Com instructed the Deputy Commissioner Reasi to make all necessary arrangements for this segment of the Yatra.
Addressing the security aspect of the pilgrimage, the ADGP directed SSPs to ensure comprehensive security measures are put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims during the Yatra. He stressed the significance of deploying an adequate number of Police personnel along the route, strengthening security checkpoints, and maintaining strict vigil throughout the pilgrimage.(GNS)
