Rescue operation called off, no one missing; death toll 15, 55 injured
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, July 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that he has requested Surveyor General of India to conduct a Digital Contour Mapping (DCM) of Amarnath cave shrine and its adjoining areas so that steps are taken to prevent human losses due to natural calamities.
“I have requested the Surveyor General of India to conduct a Digital Contour Mapping of Amarnath Cave shrine and its adjoining areas. The survey will recommend steps to be taken for preventing human losses in case of natural calamities at the cave shrine as seen on July 8,” the LG said while speaking to reporters at Raj Bhawan here today.
Click here to watch video
Sinha said even though a bund was constructed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, it is believed that the casualties in the recent cloudburst at Amarnath cave shrine would have been more if there was no bund. “There is always room for further improvement…,” he said.
About the July 8 incident, the LG said that 15 pilgrims lost their lives and 55 were injured of whom all except two have been discharged. “The two are being treated at SKIMS and are also stable,” he said, adding that no pilgrims are missing as reported by a section of the media.
He said the rescue operations that were launched following flash floods have been called off and there was no report of any person missing.
The LG said there are no missing persons and helpline number of the Shrine Board had received about 200 calls and it took some time to track the pilgrims as their mobile phones were switched off.
“Fifteen pilgrims have lost their lives and all have been identified. Fifty-five persons were injured and all, except two, have been discharged and have gone home,” Sinha said.
He said the two injured were undergoing treatment at SKIMS Soura here and their condition is stated to be stable. “I hope they will also be discharged in a few days,” he added.
He said administration was in touch with all the State Governments and as of now no person was missing and 14 bodies were sent out and one was cremated here.
“We have been in touch with Principal Resident Commissioners of all the States and when there was a need, we even spoke to concerned Deputy Commissioners, and I can tell you that largely we do not have any inputs about any person missing,” he said.
The LG said the rescue operation which was on since July 8 has largely been called off.
On the allegations that the administration did not take adequate measures in the wake of a flash flood last year, Sinha said the flow pattern of both the flashfloods was kept in mind and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department erected a wall there.
“I have spoken to many experts, had that bund not been there, the disaster could have been worse,” he added.
On PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks that the Government had allowed more pilgrims than recommended, Sinha said the Supreme Court had formed a committee of experts and on the basis of the discussions by the committee, the decision on the number of pilgrims was taken.
“Two years before, 7,500 people were permitted through both sides. Last year, the Shrine Board improved the facilities and with the result, it was decided to allow 10,000 yatris from both the axis and this decision is being fully implemented.
He said that this year, attempts were made to improve the infrastructure and the facilities. “We have tried to take feedback from the yatris as well,” he said.
Sinha said with the support of the locals, the yatra is going on in a right manner and so far, about 1.5 lakh persons had pilgrimage so far. “I am thankful of the locals who showed sensitivity and guided the yatris that day. They provided all help to them,” he said.
The LG said all the yatris have a Rs 5 lakh insurance cover. “Apart from that, the next of kin of those who died will be provided another Rs 5 lakh by the Shrine Board,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
