SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo on Tuesday visited the Yatra Transit Camp (YTC) at Panthachowk to review arrangements for pilgrims expected to participate in the upcoming annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled to commence in July.
During the inspection, Labroo assessed facilities put in place for the convenience, safety and comfort of pilgrims during their halt at the Srinagar transit camp. He reviewed the preparedness of various departments and evaluated the overall readiness of the camp.
Officials informed the Deputy Commissioner that all essential facilities, including drinking water, electricity, sanitation, public convenience services, boarding, lodging, bedding, RFID and KYC registration counters, and medical facilities, have been established at the camp. He inspected the operational readiness of these facilities and directed officials to ensure that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience during their stay.
Emphasising seamless coordination among all stakeholder departments, Labroo directed officers to maintain high standards of service delivery and ensure uninterrupted functioning of all facilities throughout the Yatra period. He stressed the need for proper sanitation, adequate water supply, uninterrupted electricity, medical assistance and strengthening of facilities at community kitchens (langars) serving pilgrims.
The Deputy Commissioner was informed that an adequate number of bathrooms, urinals and mobile toilets have been installed at the transit camp, while comprehensive sanitation measures and regular maintenance drives are being undertaken. Sufficient manpower has also been deployed for efficient management of the facilities.
Regarding water supply, officials informed him that apart from a dedicated water supply line, standby storage tanks with a combined capacity of 80,000 litres have been installed to meet the requirements of pilgrims.
Labroo also inspected newly established RFID and KYC registration counters and directed the concerned departments to ensure that all machinery and electronic equipment remain fully functional for smooth queue management and registration processes.
On healthcare preparedness, officials informed him that adequate arrangements have been made for first-aid and emergency medical services. The administration has also put in place measures for crowd management, traffic regulation and parking to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.
The Deputy Commissioner was further informed that two mobile ATM units would be deployed at the camp for the convenience of yatris.
Reviewing safety measures, he directed the Fire and Emergency Services Department to undertake all necessary fire safety arrangements and conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit of the transit camp before the commencement of the pilgrimage.
The visit was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, IAS Probationer Alfred Thomas, Superintending Engineer R&B Tatheer Manzoor, SP South Imtiyaz Ahmad, Deputy Commandant IR K. Sahu, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Deputy Director Information Zubair Ahmad Lattoo, SDPO Panthachowk Zohaib Hassan, Tehsildar Panthachowk Muzamil Zamaan, Chief Medical Officer, executive engineers of various departments and other senior officers of the civil and police administration.
