Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Mar 30: Deputy Commissioner Leh, Saugat Biswas today reviewed the preparedness of the official machinery for the forthcoming tourist season in a meeting conducted with all the head of the departments.
Mr Biswas directed the Health Department to carve out mechanisms to spread the message to the visiting tourists about the importance of obeying the rest-regimen on reaching Ladakh. It was decided that the district administration will tie-up with various airlines so health advice is given to incoming tourists before alighting from the flights.
Looking at the considerable number of accidental casualties on Leh-Manali highway, ASP Leh T Gyalpo, who is also holding the charge of Superintendent of Police, expressed the need of an ambulance on this route for emergency cases. Deputy Commissioner directed the Chief Medical Officer for putting in place ambulances on routes, which are prone to the accidents.
Mr Biswas also had detailed discussion on developing a mechanism to facilitate providing oxygen cylinders in emergency prone areas in the far-flung areas for tourists where no medical aid centers are available.
The importance of conducting frequent check on the food quality served in the restaurants especially during the tourist season was also deliberated upon. It was decided that special empowered teams will be formed for conducting frequent market checks and ensuring best services for the tourists and preventing fleecing.
Biswas informed that the district administration is establishing a “world class” Tourist Information Centre which will act as a one stop shop for the incoming tourists. The Information Centre, which will be run by the Leh Development Authority, will provide all encompassing information viz hotels, travel agencies, trekking routes, police assistance, healthcare, bike and bicycle facilities, wildlife, banking, postage/ courier etc.
He further informed that the Protected Area Permit and Inner Line Permit system will be further simplified for the ease of both overseas and Indian tourists. He invited suggestions and inputs from the house for having a complete database regarding these facilities.
Among other points, the house had discussions on topics like regulation of taxi and motorcycle fares, cultural and environmental norms (dos & donts) and also options for volunteering action.
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