District Administration Reasi gears up to cater to pilgrim rush on New Year

DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
REASI, Dec 19
District Magistrate Vishesh Mahajan today chaired a meeting to ensure the seamless management of the anticipated surge in pilgrim footfall on December 31st at the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and Katra Town.
Numerous directions were issued to stakeholder departments to ensure the safety, security, and convenience of pilgrims during the weekend and week starting 22 December and more specifically for 31 December. SSP Amit Gupta, apprised that adequate security measures, including thorough vehicle checking and increased deployment of security personnel across Katra Town and along the yatra track. The Chief Medical Officer Reasi was directed to ensure round-the-clock availability of medical teams at the Katra hospital and to keep additional 108 ambulance service on standby for any sort of emergency, while ARTO was instructed to bolster staff strength for smooth traffic flow, to make all efforts for prevention of jams in Katra Town and ensure that all passengers vehicles display fare lists to prevent overcharging from pilgrims.
Emphasis was laid on sanitation, illumination and mobile toilet facilities at the bus stand and other locations in Katra Town. Geo-tagging of parking spots was also initiated for pilgrims’ convenience.
DDC Mahajan asked for display of comprehensive information on LCD screens installed across Katra Town about Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage and other tourist spots in Reasi district. Strict measures were advised against vehicles parked outside hotel premises and roadsides and shopkeepers were urged to refrain from encroachment on footpaths and ensure smooth movement of pedestrians.
XENs of PWD and PHE were directed to ensure uninterrupted water supply on yatra track and Katra town. He further called for providing 24×7 power -supply to the areas and markets, besides illumination of prominent places.
DDC said teams would be formed to conduct market surveys, ensuring fair pricing and quality standards, while preparations for fire Emergencies were underscored.
District Development Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan urged all stakeholders to diligently implement these directives to facilitate a hassle-free experience for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and to ensure their safety and comfortable journey during the significant period.
SSP Amit Gupta, Commandant CRPF Y R Bunker, SDM Katra Deepak Dubey, ACR Anshumali Sharma, XEN PWD and PHE and other officers were present in the meeting.