Div Com Jammu takes firsthand appraisal of NH-44 works, preparations for Holy Amarnath Ji Yatra at Ramban

RAMBAN, MAY 12 (RNA) : Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, today visited Ramban to take firsthand appraisal of the ongoing works on four-laning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and the preparations for the ensuing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2022. The Divisional Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mussarat Islam, SSP Ramban, Mohita Sharma, SSP Traffic, NHW, Shabir Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Harbans Lal Sharma and Project Director NHAI, Purshottam Kumar. SDM Banihal, Zaheer Abbas and SDM Ramsoo Vaqar Giri were also present on the occasion along with all senior officers of Line Departments. The Divisional Commissioner first visited Lamber site where he took a briefing regarding arrangements being made for the Amarnath Ji Yatris. He issued on-spot directions for setting up of all utilities and establishment of langers with required infrastructure. At Banihal, the Divisional Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioner to ensure that ongoing works on the drain being executed by Municipal Committee Banihal is completed by May 15. He also directed SDM Banihal to ensure that all bottlenecks are removed in Banihal market for smooth movement of vehicular traffic. Later, the Divisional Commissioner inspected the ongoing works on NH-44 which include the realigned package between Banihal and Ramban. PD NHAI gave a briefing on the three packages comprising also the realigned package that includes tunnels and viaducts, especially from Marog to Chamalwas. The Divisional Commissioner passed standing directions to PD NHAI to immediately install crash barriers and parapets on all uncovered locations and remove muck and debris lying on the road to widen the existing carriageway. The Divisional Commissioner also directed PD NHAI to immediately start reconstruction work on the damaged Steel Tunnel at Panthyal, in order to ensure the safety of the passengers travelling on the stretch. Emphasizing upon the significance of washrooms and lavatories on NH-44 axis, the Divisional Commissioner also inspected NHAI’s Mini Nest at Seri. NHAI has constructed six Mini Nests from Nashri to Banihal to facilitate the passengers and as well Yatris. While chairing a meeting of all senior officers at District Headquarters, the Divisional Commissioner stressed upon better coordination between civil and police administration for hassle-free SANJY-2022. He asked all executing agencies including Jal Shakti, Public Works Department and JPDCL to ensure commencement of allotted works so that these are completed well ahead of the Holy Yatra. SSP Ramban, SSP Traffic NHW, PD NHAI and the District Administration made power-point presentations regarding ongoing works on NH-44 and the arrangements being made for a smooth conduct of SANJY- 2022. The Deputy Commissioner informed the Divisional Commissioner that 271 temporary toilets are being constructed between Nashri and Banihal on NH-44 for the comfort of the passengers and yatris. As many as 13 lodgment centres and 34 langer sites have also been finalized, he added. Later, the Divisional Commissioner inspected the ongoing works at SASB Yatri Niwas at Chanderkote where he passed directions to CPWD for immediate completion of the project by May 20. He also visited Rahat Centre at Dhalwas along with langer sites at Nashri and Chanderkote. He was also briefed by the engineers of CPWD about the facilities being created at the SASB Yatri Niwas which include 17 dormitories having capacity of more than 3000 yatris. During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner impressed upon complete synergy between different agencies and extension of assured facilities like sanitation, potable water, electricity, fire safety and health facilities. He also reviewed the status of langer permission and directed the District Administration to ensure implementation of SoPs to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at all sites. Emphasizing upon better coordination between Police and Traffic wings, the Divisional Commissioner advised establishment of Control Rooms for effective response mechanisms with active emergency control numbers. He stressed upon establishing an effective disaster management mechanism with quick rescue teams of SDRF, JKP, CRP and Civil QRTs to deal with exigencies, if they arise. During his visit, the Divisional Commissioner also launched a documentary on Ramban - Beyond the Highway which captures the huge tourism potential and development progress made in the district. Divisional Commissioner advised the Deputy Commissioner to share the documentary with Tourism Department so that it highlights the tour and travel potential in Ramban District which hosts various health resorts like Patnitop, Natha Top, Sanasar, Batote, Mahu-Mangit, Neel, Daggan Top and Pogal Paristan.