observer bureau
SRINAGAR, JULY 22

Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, paid a surprise visit to the Nunwan Base Camp near Pahalgam today and reviewed medicare, sanitation, security and all other arrangements made for the ongoing Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji.
The Governor, who is the Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, accompanied by Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board; Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Mr. R. K. Jalla, SSP, Anantnag; Mr. Amit Sharma, Camp Director and other officers went around the Nunwan Base Camp for a detailed inspection of the logistical facilities and other arrangements made for the pilgrimage. He particularly reviewed the arrangements regarding sanitation, cleanliness, toilet facilities, working of Sewage Treatment Plant, power and drinking water supply, medicare, functioning of Langars and other utilities. He reiterated directions to all concerned to effectively ensure the collection and disposal of solid wastes on a daily basis, at all locations in the Yatra area. He stressed that all required measures be taken for protecting the environment and ecology of the Yatra area and reminded the Langarwallas of their commitment to ensure cleanliness and hygienic conditions in and around the Langars.
While interacting with the Doctors and para-medical staff at the Base Camp, the Governor asked them to conduct a thorough health check of all the Yatris visiting Medical Aid Centres before they are allowed for onward journey to the Holy Cave. He also enquired from the Yatris about the efficacy of the healthcare, sanitation and other facilities made available by the Shrine Board and the various State Government departments and other service providers for facilitating them. The Yatris were appreciative of the obtaining arrangements.
Later, the Governor at a meeting with Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, Mr. Vijay Kumar, DIG, Anantnag; Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Mr. R. K. Jalla, SSP, Anantnag; Mr. Amit Sharma, Camp Director and other concerned officers issued instructions for making continuous improvements, wherever required, to facilitate the visiting pilgrims. He reiterated the importance of focusing on healthcare facilities and availability of portable Oxygen cylinders in sufficient quantity at all the Camp locations and enroute. He observed that medicare facilities for the Yatris must be further strengthened at Pissu Top, Zojibal, Mahagunas Top, Sangam Top and other difficult track stretches. He asked the CEO to have an early meeting with all the stakeholders and officers concerned with the Yatra to formulate a well considered strategy for conducting the next Yatra, in 2013, based on the experiences of this year's Yatra.
The Governor directed the CEO for preparing a Camp and route-wise Action Plan for Yatra 2013, immediately after the culmination of this year's Yatra on 2nd August, for locating various services keeping in view the experiences gained this year. He stressed that route-wise arrangements of all aspects of the Yatra must be worked out well in advance with particular focus on medicare, sanitation, cleanliness, water and power supply and other facilities and, side by side, ensuring protection of environment and ecology of the Yatra area. He directed for publicizing Do's and Don'ts and the Health Advisory issued by the Shrine Board for the Yatris across the country in various vernacular languages for the next year's Yatra.
The Governor while reviewing the functioning of the helicopter services operating on Pahalgam-Panjtarni and Baltal-Panjtarni routes, stressed for further streamlining these.
The Governor, who has been personally monitoring all the Yatra arrangements and movement of the Yatris on daily basis, reiterated directions to all concerned officers to provide all required assistance to the Yatris to make the Yatra a pleasurable experience for the pilgrims.