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| SASB fully geared for Amarnath yatra: CEO | | | Early Times Reporter
Srinagar | June 17
Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Dr Arun Kumar today regretted controversies over Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage, describing the criticism as unwarranted.
Speaking to media persons on the eve of the commencement of this year's yatra, Dr Kumar elaborately dwelt on the diversion of forest land to the Board at Baltal and said that no permanent structure is being raised anywhere in the base camps or enroute the Cave Shrine.
Replying to questions, the CEO said that there is not a single tree at Baltal, the area being avalanche prone, which has been even substantiated by the forest department in the recently help meeting of Environment Committee of the State Assembly. He said the Board has requested the committee to plant trees in Baltal, if feasible, as they are paying about Rs 2.50 crores for the diversion of the said land. He said the Board has never approached the State Government for a road up to the Cave Shrine. However, a rope way on the pattern of Gondolar Cable Car Project in Gulmarg can be a long term measure; he said, describing it as economical for pilgrims and environmental friendly.
Dr Kumar gave a detailed account of facilities created for smooth pilgrimage which include over 2000 environmental friendly toilets and several shelter huts at Nunwan, Baltal and other camping sites. These are temporary structures, raised in three days and dismantable in just one day. He said the toilets introduced by the Shrine Board could be a model for any tourist destination or with civic bodies in rural and sub urban areas, which lack such facilities. He said these toilets have zero discharge and are being treated with chemicals that help in reduction in the volume of biomas, emission of gases, foul odour and has shorter compositing time.
About charging fee from tentwallas, the CEO said that the Board is charging just Rs 200 for two months from each tentwalla for providing facilities like safe drinking water and toilet facilities. "Only on toilets the Board is spending about Rs 3 crores annually, which includes regular cleansing and other maintenance charges besides raising the pre fab toilets". He said the locals are fully involved with the management of the yatra and permissions have been granted for 3650 tents and 715 shops. Similarly, a security and a fee of Rs 25,000 is being charged from the langerwallas to ensure allied services to them like toilets, water etc. On experiment basis and on the demand of pilgrims, 50 European style toilets have also been put in place during this year's yatra, he added.
He assured that the Board is taking all measures for preserving the ecology of the yatra areas and said it always welcomes pragmatic suggestions on this account.
The CEO also clarified various issues like need for pre-fabricated huts, saying these can withstand weather vagaries and help averting situation like that occurred in 1996 when several pilgrims and locals lost their lives in the wake of weather fury.
Dr Kumar said that final touches have been given to arrangmements for this year's pilgrimage beginning tomorrow and said that all the agencies are working in tandem for successful yatra. |
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