Health Minister takes stock of the Yatra arrangements at Pahalgam-Chandenwari

‘Calls for setting up necessary backup to deal with any eventuality”
Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has asked the agencies designated for organizing Shri Amarnathji Yatra to gear up their efforts to facilitate the Yatra from the traditional Pahalgam-Chandenwari route at the earliest. The Minister urged government departments to dump all essential material including foodgrains, medicines, firewood, kerosene oil, cooking gas cylinders and DG sets for the convenience of the yatries at the identified locations.
The Minister said this while reviewing the Yatra arrangements at a meeting of officers and representatives of SASB and other agencies held at Pahalgam and Chandenwari today.
The Minister took stock of the facilities at the Nunwan camp at Pahalgam and asked the authorities to ensure adequate accommodation, safe drinking water, eatables and proper sanitation in and around the camp. He issued specific instructions to the security agencies to keep close vigil on the situation in view of the prevailing weather conditions and ensure safety and comfort of the pilgrims. He also stressed for providing of proper information to the pilgrims about the Yatra particularly the weather update at various points including Yatri Niwas at Jammu and entry point at Lakhanpur as pilgrims not acquainted with the local conditions visit the state from different parts of the world.
The Minister also suggested for setting up of special teams comprising volunteers of Scouts and Guides, Civil Defence, Mountaineers, Doctors with necessary rescue material for tackling any emergency situation at vulnerable spots on the track. He asked the doctors and Para-medical staff to provide all possible medicares to the pilgrims during the Yatra period. He directed the Director Health Services, Kashmir to stock adequate quantity of essential drugs, oxygen cylinders at various spots enroute and personally monitors the medicare facilities for the pilgrims during the Yatra period.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag (Assistant Yatra Officer), Mr. Bashir Ahmed Khan briefed the Minister about the steps taken by the administration for the Yatra. He apprised that all necessary arrangements have been made and, if weather improved, the Yatra can start on due date. He said that track clearing teams are making all out efforts to make the track through well before the scheduled date. He also said that all the agencies are working with close coordination to make the Yatra a success. Officers of various departments also gave details of the arrangements made for the Yatra.
The Minister also inspected the Pahalgam hospital and took stock of the medicare facilities available there. He asked the doctors to work with dedication and devotion and treat the patients with missionary zeal. He appreciated the efforts of the doctors and para-medics who are working under difficult conditions in the camps. He assured them special incentives for Yatra duty.
Earlier, the Minister inspected Dara Shiko Garden at Bijbehara, Floriculture Garden at Akad Aishmuqam, Poshwan Park at Pahalgam and took stock of the facilities available there. He asked the Director Floriculture, Kashmir to create more facilities for the tourists and locals in the gardens. He suggested proper landscaping and creation of water bodies to attract more and more visitors in the gardens. He also asked for utilizing idle space in the parks with horticulture, ornamental and medicinal plants. He asked the Director, Indian System of Medicine (ISM) to coordinate with the Floriculture Department and suggest them about such plants in these parks.
Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed, Director Indian System of Medicines (ISM), Dr. Abdul Kabir, Director Floriculture, Kashmir, Dr. G.N.Naqash, Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag, Chief Horticulture Officer, Anantnag and officers of the civil and police administration also accompanied the Minister.