Nitishwar Kumar Visits Baltal, takes stock of Yatra arrangements 

GANDERBAL, MAY 02:  To take on-spot assessment and have first-hand information on the augmentation of staying capacity for the pilgrims during annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2022 Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, Sh. Nitishwar Kumar along with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole on Sunday took an extensive tour to Baltal and inspected the facilities being upgraded for the convenience of devotees here. During the visit, the Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, who is also the CEO of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board visited Baltal Base Camp, Domail eccess point, Car Parking area and other proposed sites for halt stations to have first-hand appraisal of augmentation of staying capacity for ensuring smooth conduct of Yatra. On the occasion, Principal Secretary was apprised by the concerned departments regarding the activities and developmental works undertaken to augment the stay capacity by 2-3 times of existing holding capacity at various halt stations. While visiting Access Point Domail, the Principal Secretary inspected the facilities and arrangements there. He also inspected the proposed separate site for Service Providers at Domail located on other side of Nallah Sindh and directed the R&B Department to frame a proposal for installation of an iron bridge at an earliest so that same patch of land could be used by service providers during the Yatra period. On the occasion, the officials of R&B department briefed the Principal Secretary about the progress on snow clearance and other developmental and repairing works on the Yatra track. He aslo stressed for proper leveling of all proposed sites before pitching tents by various stake holders. Regarding parking facilities, the Principal Secretary directed for making adequate arrangements for parking of buses ferrying the Yatries as heavy footfall of Yatris is expected this year. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner briefed the Principal Secretary about the provisions of other facilities including water, electricity, sanitation and other public convenience facilities for which he directed the concerned authorities to make all necessary arrangements well in advance for the convenience of Yatris. Deputy commissioner ganderbal, Krittika Jyotsna, SSP Ganderbal,Nikhil Borkar, ADC Ganderbal, GM, SASB, CMO Ganderbal and other district officers accompanied the Principal Secretary.        Earlier, the DC Ganderbal, briefed the Principal Secretary about the works being taken-up to augment the existing holding capacity at various points via Baltal route for comfortable stay of Yatries.