With the rail link extended to Katra town, the influx of pilgrims to the holy shrines of Vaishnodevi and Shivkhori is likely to increase manifold. This is bound to bring pressure on security arrangements besides other services. Authorities are planning in advance to streamline the security of Katra town and the entire area that comes under the use of the pilgrims. Police Headquarters have sanctioned 19 more Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs) to closely monitor the movement of pilgrims and others involved in the pilgrimage. 33 CCTVs are already installed in the area but of these many are dysfunctional. With the addition of 19 more CCTVs a large area in and around the shrines will be covered. The reason for many CCTVs going dysfunctional may be that the monkeys tamper with them but that does not mean to leave them dysfunctional. We also learn that the contract of installing 19 more CCTVs and repairing the dysfunctional ones has been given to a Chandigarh-based company. The Police in agreement with the PDD will ensure uninterrupted supply of electric power to keep the machines functional round the clock. It is good that the places where additional CCTVs will be installed have been identified and the work has already started.
We appreciate the sense of responsibility shown by the police and security authorities by moving fast and in time to fulfil the requirements of security and surveillance in anticipation of huge rush of pilgrims from all parts of the country. We would also like the Government to take up the stupendous task of making arrangements for boarding and lodgings of a vast number of tourists who will be coming to Katra throughout the year for pilgrimage. Hotel, transport, medical and guidance services will have to be given big boost and this must be brought under discussion right now.
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