Srinagar- Over 60,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed across Jammu and Kashmir for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra in South Kashmir, scheduled to begin from next month.
According to the government-run All India Radio (AIR), over 60,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed from Lakhanpur, the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir to the cave shrine of Amarnath during the 62- day long pilgrimage starting July 1.
Apart from the routine deployment, the report said that sniper and sharp shooters will also be deployed at many locations while the yatra convoy will be escorted with security personnel laced with technical gadgets.
The report quoted Akashvani Jammu correspondent as saying that additional companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are expected to arrive in the Union Territory by this week.
“The deployment will be made from June 20 along the national highway and the twin Baltal and Pahalgam routes leading to the holy cave,” the report said.
It adds that personnel from ITBP, BSF, SSF, CISF are also expected to be deployed from June 20 to strengthen the security structure during the two-month pilgrimage.
“The troops are being deployed from Lakhanpur to the Amaranth Cave Shrine not only as a security measure but also to smoothly facilitate the yatra,” the report said, adding that besides hinterland, security has also been beefed up and tightened along the Line of Control and the International Border to foil any “mischief from across the border”.
Meanwhile, the UT administration has established five ‘Tatkal’ registration counters at prominent locations of Jammu city for Tatkal registration of the pilgrims at Vaishnavi Dham, Mahajan Sabha, Panchayat Ghar and two at Geeta Bhawan and Ram Mandir for the registration of Sadhus.
The online helicopter ticket booking will also commence this week for the yatra.
According to the AIR report, the booking for Baltal, Pahalgam and Srinagar routes will commence this week and more than four lakh pilgrims are expected to visit and pay homage at the holy cave shrine this year.
“The administration has also planned ‘Jammu Darshan’ for the pilgrims to boost tourism and attract more tourists to J&K. So far, around 3 lakh pilgrims have reportedly registered themselves online for the yatra,” it adds.
LG Reviews Yatra Arrangements At Pahalgam
Meanwhile Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited Pahalgam and reviewed the arrangements and ongoing works ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra.
The LG conducted on-site inspection at Nunwan and Chandanwari Base Camps and reviewed ongoing works and logistics, lodging, health and other facilities that have been put in place for the comfort of pilgrims, an official spokesperson said.
Subsequently, he said, a meeting was held that was attended by Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir and Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
The LG, the spokesperson said, appraised the elaborate arrangements put in place by all the stakeholder departments pertaining to the snow clearances of all sections of tracks, deployment of trained manpower, helipads operations, health facilities, water and power supply at transit camps and halt points, allotment of tents and shops, Disaster Management, contingency plan for accommodation, etc.
He directed the concerned departments to make all necessary services accessible to the pilgrims at railway station, airports, on travel routes and Yatra base camps.
The spokesperson said that the LG impressed upon the officials to create a strong healthcare and health emergency infrastructure with additional teams of doctors and nursing staff.
Sinha, he said, also asked them to harness the benefits of technology to deal with any emergent situation.
“Proper arrangements for regular ambulance, Heli-ambulance service and oxygen cylinders must be ensured,” the LG told the officials.
He also took stock of the arrangements being made for drinking water and sanitation and facilities for sanitation workers deployed to ensure cleanliness at the Base Camps. Sinha passed explicit directions for the Camp in-charge and concerned officials for operationalization of Sheshnag and Panjtarni camp by 20th June.
“It must be ensured that the Track is through for ponies, Pithoos from Chandanwari to holy cave well before the commencement of the Yatra,” he said.
He also set the deadline of 20th June for the completion of various works including snow clearance at MG Top, Panjtarni and other such areas; completion of emergency landing platform at holy cave; boundary walls, safety railing on vulnerable stretches; water supply and installation of RO in every camp.
“Power supply and illumination in every camp should be done by June 17th. Health facilities and availability of health equipments should be ensured. SoP by Health Department to be made operational at each camp,” Sinha said.
He also directed the KPDCL and Jal Shakti department for engaging skilled manpower and day-to-day monitoring of water and power logistics.
The LG emphasized on involvement of members of the PRIs and Civil society in successful conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
“We must learn from the challenges of last year and take comprehensive measures accordingly. All the concerned departments, CAPFs, J&K Police, Army and other stakeholders should work in close coordination for making best arrangements to ensure smooth pilgrimage. A feedback on tracks from civil administration, Security forces should also be taken,” he added.
Sinha directed the officials to lay special focus on sanitation, the quality of tents, and fire extinguishers and ensure adequate gaps during the installation of tents. No unauthorised tent should be installed.
Strict enforcement of SOPs and guidelines must be ensured near the holy cave, he added.
Instructions were also passed pertaining to the installation of LED at various locations with pre-recorded messages and information dissemination, upgradation of Signages and information boards, besides ensuring strong telecom and mobile connectivity.
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