Ganderbal: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited the Amarnath Yatra Base Camp at Baltal and reviewed the arrangements for the pilgrimage.
He directed senior officers of the administration, SASB, police, security forces and other stakeholder departments to coordinate with each other for better security and Yatra management, an official press release informed.
It said at the Baltal Base Camp, the LG discussed with the senior officers of police and security forces the security arrangements in place for the safe and secure pilgrimage. He took first-hand appraisal of the preparedness of the administration, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), health and disaster response teams and the service providers.
The LG also reviewed the facilities including accommodation, food, connectivity, transportation, power and water supply, sanitation, RFID counters, health, availability of fire tenders, medicines, oxygen, parking facilities, telecommunication, heli services, IEC activities, registration of service providers, etc.
The LG directed the officials to ensure that all the requisite amenities are in place and extension of seamless services to the devotees of Baba Amarnath Ji.
He also interacted with the representatives of service providers and appealed to them to provide every possible support to the visiting yatris.
Vijay Kumar, ADGP; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO SASB; other senior officers of UT administration, SASB, police and army also accompanied the LG.
Meanwhile, Kashmir Police Chief V K Birdi has directed security forces to ensure comprehensive security coverage and timely response of potential threats during the annual Amarnath Yatra, stressing on vigilant patrolling and monitoring along highways for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage which begins later this week.
Birdi, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone took stock of the arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the yatra, which starts June 29, during a meeting here on Monday, a police spokesman said on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the officers briefed Birdi on the security plan, including the specific requirements of their respective districts and security arrangements put in place for smooth conduct of the yatra, the spokesman said.
Birdi closely examined the SOPs formulated for coordinating security efforts and ensuring a unified approach in managing exigencies arising out of operational, natural and manmade disasters.
Emphasising upon the safe and secure movement of pilgrims, Birdi reviewed the deployment and operational readiness of the Road Opening Parties, stressing the need for vigilant patrolling and monitoring along highways.
The IGP instructed the officers to ensure robust night dominations to prevent any untoward incidents during the night.
The Kashmir Police chief directed that mock drills be conducted based on SOPs to evaluate their effectiveness on the ground and identify areas for improvement.
Besides, DIG south Kashmir range and DIG north Kashmir range were directed to assess the High-Density Counter Operation Plans in their respective zones for ensuring comprehensive security coverage and timely response of potential threats, the spokesman said.
Birdi stressed on further strengthening the security grid and check on anti-national elements (ANEs) and terrorist associates by generating actionable intelligence.
The IGP Kashmir urged all officers to remain vigilant and proactive in their duties, emphasising the importance of coordination and timely response to any potential threats.
He also directed the officers to ensure robust security measures at all camping sites by installing CCTV cameras at all strategic locations.
The meeting was attended by DIG Central Kashmir Range, DIG North Kashmir Range, DIG South Kashmir Range, all district SSPs of Kashmir Zone, SSP Traffic City, SSP Traffic Rural, SSP Security and others.
