SRINAGAR, July 28:
The high-powered committee appointed by Supreme Court of India to look into the issue of growing number of deaths of Amarnath pilgrims today visited the Yatra base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam to take first hand stock of the facilities available to the pilgrims.
The committee headed by Chief Secretary Madhav Lal had earlier been asked by the apex court to find out the cause for growing number of casualties of Amarnath pilgrims apart from finding ways to sort out the issue.
A team comprising the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police J&K, Additional Director General BSF, Additional Director General CRPF, Principal Secretary Home and Secretary Environment Govt of India today visited Baltal base camp and carried out extensive review of the facilities especially medical care facilities available to the Amarnath pilgrims early morning.
The team later visited Pahalgam base camp to continue its inspection of the facilities available to yatris there. Members of the teams also interacted with local officials and vendors apart from yatris during the visit, official sources said.
Respective Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag along with senior officers of police and administration also accompanied the team.
The Supreme Court had appointed the high-powered committee headed by the Government to look into the issue of growing number of casualties of Amarnath pilgrims. The committee which included Secretaries of Home, Health, Environment and Forest, Chief Secretary of J&K, and also various security agencies is expected to suggest ways in which the deaths can be avoided.
The Supreme Court had taken up the matter based on media reports that many deaths were caused due to lack of poor medical facilities.
The panel after visiting the Amarnath yatra route will submit its suggestions to the Chairman of the panel. This will then be examined and submitted to the apex court before August 13. (KNS)
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