Deputy Commissioner of Samba, Abhishek Sharma, today chaired a meeting to discuss and assess the preparations for the upcoming annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 1, 2023. The meeting reviewed the plan formulated for security arrangements, besides addressing other essential aspects. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to establish robust security arrangements and asked the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to set up special checkpoints, conduct round-the-clock patrols, and install CCTV cameras at langar sites and other vital locations.
The matters related to sanitation, supply of LPG cylinders to langars, readiness of fire tenders and contingency plan were extensively discussed. Stress was laid on adequate provision of sanitation, power supply, drinking water, lodging, and other amenities for the yatris (pilgrims). The concerned authorities were asked to formulate comprehensive plans in advance to ensure the availability of health, water, and accommodation facilities.
A Coordination Committee was constituted to monitor the quality and prices of food items in the market. The meeting was informed about the identification of additional sites within the district to accommodate pilgrims in case of a Yatra halt and provision made for necessary facilities such as drinking water, electricity, toilets, and sanitation. The Deputy Commissioner directed the police and security agencies to devise a foolproof security plan envisaging adequate deployment of personnel at designated langar and accommodation sites along the yatra route. Traffic management and parking plans specific to langars were also emphasized.
To streamline efforts and provide essential services to the pilgrims, the meeting decided to establish a control room at the DC office complex and an information center at Chichi Mata temple. Additionally, a facilitation center would be set up for the convenience of the yatris. The Deputy Commissioner further instructed the District Program Officer (DPO) and Executive Officers (EOs) to maintain cleanliness at langar and accommodation sites. The meeting witnessed the participation of SSP, Benam Tossh, SP Traffic Rural Jammu, ADC, ACR, ACD, CMO, RTO, EO, AD FCS & CA, Executive engineers, AD Tourism, DD Fire and Emergency Services, among others.
