Jammu Tawi, July 22 : With the 12-day-long annual Buddha Amarnath yatra set to begin August 17, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti on Wednesday visited Poonch district to review arrangements for the pilgrimage.
The yatra, based in Poonch district, will see the first batch of pilgrims depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on August 16. It will conclude August 28 on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, while the traditional Chhari Yatra will be taken out August 26.
The ancient Baba Budha Amarnath shrine is located in the Loran Valley along the Pulsata river, about 4,600 feet above sea level. It is located approximately 290 km from Jammu.
Chairing a review meeting with senior civil and police officers, the divisional commissioner directed concerned departments to ensure that all necessary facilities are in place well in advance for a safe, secure and comfortable pilgrimage for the devotees, officials said.
The meeting reviewed preparedness in areas such as security, traffic management, sanitation, healthcare, drinking water, power supply, accommodation and other logistical arrangements for smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage, they said.
The divisional commissioner and the IGP also interacted with representatives of civil society and religious organisations to discuss issues and seek suggestions for peaceful conduct of the yatra.
During the meeting, participants observed a two-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent flash floods in the Jammu region.
The divisional commissioner and the IGP appealed to public to strictly adhere to official advisories and weather forecasts, warning that the region is likely to witness continuous rainfall over the next couple of days.
They urged people to remain vigilant and cooperate with the administration to ensure public safety.
