Weather Preparedness in Place, Amarnath Yatra Decisions Guided by IMD Advisories: Div Com Kashmir

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday said the administration has put comprehensive preparedness measures in place in view of the weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), while decisions regarding the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra are being taken strictly in accordance with weather conditions.

Speaking to reporters, Garg said the IMD has been issuing weather advisories over the past three days, and the administration has made all necessary preparations based on those forecasts. He said several review meetings have been held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, with all concerned departments directed to remain on alert.

He said district administrations have activated their teams and control rooms, while helpline numbers and weather advisories are being circulated among the public. Special advisories have also been issued for South Kashmir, urging people to stay away from the tributaries of the Jhelum and other vulnerable water bodies

Garg said essential departments, including Power Development, Jal Shakti and Health, have been placed on high alert to respond to any emergency arising from the prevailing weather conditions.

Referring to school closures, he said holidays have already been announced till Wednesday and the concerned department is reviewing the situation further.

On the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the Divisional Commissioner said decisions regarding the pilgrimage are taken by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board in consultation with the district administration and based on IMD weather advisories.

He said nearly 3.90 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine since the commencement of the Yatra on July 3. He added that the pilgrimage has presently been suspended due to the weather advisory, and further decisions will be taken depending on the evolving weather situation.