Governor inspects Amarnath Yatra tracks

The Governor, N. N. Vohra, today undertook a fresh aerial reconnaissance of both the Yatra routes and reviewed arrangements at Panjtarni and Baltal camps for the ensuing Yatra to the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnathji.

In the morning, the Governor accompanied by R. K. Goyal, his Principal Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and Preet Pal Singh, Additional CEO flew from Srinagar for an aerial reconnaissance of the track upto Panjtarni.

At the Panjtarni camp, he spent an hour and a half to review the status of Amarnath Yatra -related arrangements, particularly in regard to water and power supply, sanitation arrangements. He directed that all the Yatra-centric arrangements must be positioned as per the envisaged timelines and reiterated the need for very close coordination at all levels to facilitate the visiting yatris. He also interacted with the Army, CRPF and PDA personnel deployed at this camp.

On reaching Baltal, the Governor went around the Baltal base camp for nearly two hours for a detailed review of the logistical facilities and other arrangements being positioned for ensuring a smooth pilgrimage. Interacting with the officers of the Shrine Board, District Administration, and the Security Forces, he reiterated that the safety, security and comfort of the yatris must receive foremost attention while positioning the various Yatra-related facilities.

The Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Showkat Mir, said that he would personally monitor the works being executed by various State Government Departments, to ensure that all arrangements were duly completed within the given time frame. On the occasion, the CEO informed the Governor that the Langar service providers are expected to reach base camps in the coming week. He added that nearly 2.29 lakh yatris have so far secured their Yatra Permits through 149 designated Bank branches across the country and Internet-based e-registration facility, for undertaking the pilgrimage during June 29 - August 13, 2011.

The Governor, who has been monitoring the Yatra arrangements on daily basis to ensure their completion within the envisaged time frame had already visited the Baltal and Nunwan base camps, and undertaken aerial reconnaissance during the past weeks to review the track clearance work and completion of all the arrangements on the ground well ahead of the commencement of the Yatra.