STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Former Minister and senior Congress leader, Raman Bhalla on Thursday urged the administration to ensure smooth conduct of ensuing Amarnath Yatra.
Bhalla stressed on the need for all concerned agencies to enforce sustained close watch and maintain effective co-ordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Yatra.
Bhalla stated this while attending a Bhandara organised in memory of Shri Shri 108 Budh Giri Maharaj at Rajiv Nagar. He emphasised on all the involved agencies and departments to maintain very close co-ordination to ensure an incident free Yatra. The former minister demanded all the line departments to work in tandem to ensure that the visiting Amarnath Yatris get all basic facilities. He also demanded the PHE Department to make potable water facilities in sufficient quantity to the Yatris at Yatri Niwas besides installing water supply post from Canal head to Yatri Niwas for the convenience of the Yatris.
Bhalla urged for regular market inspections to keep a check on overcharging by traders, transporters, besides quality of food and eatables at hotels, restaurants and roadside vendors. He asked Power Development Department (PDD) to gear up men and machinery for providing regular power supply at Yatri Niwas. He stressed for adequate arrangements for medicare facilities at Yatri Niwas.
Bhalla appealed to the State as well as Central Government not to impose any type of tax on Amarnath Yatris. He said that Shri Amarnath Shrine Board must revoke 12 per cent tax for the Yatris travelling to holy cave via helicopter and toll taxes on vehicles entering via Lakhanpur border.
