PAHALGAM, JULY 03: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra conducted an extensive tour of the Pahalgam Axis of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra to review the water supply infrastructure and flood mitigation measures for the ongoing Holy Yatra.
During the visit, the ACS inspected key transit and base camps, including Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Zojibal, Sheshnag, Mahagunas Top, Poshpathri, Panjtarni, Holy Cave and Baltal, to assess the operational readiness of the Jal Shakti Department’s installations and progress of works.
He reviewed several permanent infrastructure works completed to strengthen water supply arrangements, including nine service reservoirs ( one SR of 1.0 lakh gallon capacity at Holy Cave, one SR of 0.10 lakh gallon capacity at MG Top and seven SR’s of 0.30 lakh gallons capacity at other stations), five store sheds-cum-staff accommodations and a lift station at Mahagunas Top at an altitude of about 14,500 feet.
Shaleen Kabra also reviewed the the projects aimed at augmenting future capacity, including safety storage tanks for fire and emergency purposes, a service reservoir at Panjtarni, a dedicated raw/supply main for Nunwan Base Camp, and store shed-cum-operator quarters at Panjtarni and Chandanwari.
The Additional Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction over the installation of Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants and the provision of water supply connections to all toilet units along the Yatra route, in accordance with the directions of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
Shaleen Kabra directed the engineering wing to ensure all pipelines, pumping installations and distribution networks remain fully functional and capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions so that uninterrupted drinking water supply is maintained throughout the Yatra period.
The ACS also inspected the flood protection works near the Holy Cave and stressed the need for timely completion and strengthening of the flood channels to minimise the risk of flash floods and enhance pilgrim safety.
Emphasising the importance of public health, Shaleen Kabra directed that drinking water quality be monitored regularly using field testing kits at all langar sites, holding areas and base camps. He further instructed the field functionaries to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, adequate backup machinery and a robust contingency response mechanism to ensure immediate restoration of services in case of any disruption.
Interacting with officers and field staff, ACS emphasised on proactive maintenance, continuous monitoring and coordinated efforts to ensure smooth and uninterrupted essential services during the pilgrimage.
