SRINAGAR: Minister of State for Forest, Environment, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Cooperative and Fisheries, Mir Zahoor Ahmad today conducted day long tour of Base Camp Baltal for Shri Amarnath Yatra and took stock of the facilities for pilgrims.
The Minister went round the camp and was apprised by the officials of the concerned departments about the facilities put in place for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
The Minister also inspected medical camp and enquired about the facilities being provided to the patients. He was informed that the hospital is running round the clock and has various facilities including USG, X-ray and ICU. The Minister stressed for ensuring cleanliness and effective sanitation in and around the camp premises.
Chairing a meeting with the officers of different departments, the Minister directed the forest department to ensure adequate supply of fire wood.
The Forest Department informed the Minister that a target of 3000 quintals of fire wood have been dumped at different places. It was informed that 1107.10 quintals have been dumped at Baltal supply point, out of which 146.15 quintals have been sold to security personals. 280.07 quintals dumped at Holly Cave, 202.07 quintals at Panjtari, 55.30 quintals at Bardimarg while as 50.10 quintals dumped at Sangam supply point. It was also informed in the meeting that an amount of Rs 1.5 lakh revenue has been realized against the sale of fire wood during yatra period last year. It was also given out that to ensure more transparency in the system; the department has done e-tendering this year.
It was also given out in the meeting that 1, 46,467 pilgrims have performed darshan of holly cave via Baltal route up to July 11.
Taking stock of the activities of the Animal Husbandry department, it was given out that three medical camps have been established. It was also given out that all ponies are registered. It was given out that 19 pony deaths were registered during last year and 14 natural deaths of ponies have been registered this year so far. It was also given out that registration of ponies is done on first cum first basis and Deptt has fixed Rs 3500 as ferrying charge from Baltal . It was informed in the meeting that an amount of Rs 30000 is given to Ponywala in accidental death cases.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements put in place at the Base Camp Baltal, the Minister urged upon all the concerned departments to work with utmost zeal and dedication to provide best facilities to the pilgrims.
Later Minister interacted with the Yatris regarding the facilities. The Yatris expressed happiness and satisfaction over the arrangements and the friendly approach of the locals.
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