Mufti orders shifting of CRPF camp from Pahalgam
Srinagar, July 25
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today issued directions for relocation of a CRPF camp from Pahalgam as part of efforts aimed at improving the existing infrastructure to attract more tourists to the popular hill resort.
The Chief Minister issued directions for shifting the paramilitary forces camp to an alternate site during a visit to Pahalgam, where he was also briefed about the steps taken by the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) in maintaining the 46-km Pahalgam cave track, an official spokesperson said.
Mufti Sayeed also instructed the PDA Chief Executive Officer to prepare a plan for the revival of the Old Pahalgam Club.
The Chief Minister also interacted with Amarnath pilgrims at the PDA helipad. He was informed that the chopper service conducts as many as 100 sorties from Pahalgam to Panjtarni on a fair weather day by operating three helicopters.
The yatris expressed satisfaction at the facilities being extended to them at Pahalgam, which serves as the base camp for the annual pilgrimage, and other places en route the shrine, the spokesperson said.
On an average, nearly 5,000 Amarnath yatris offer prayers at the 3,880-metre high holy cave daily from the Pahalgam axis, he said, adding the Chief Minister, at the helipad, directed the PDA to keep provision of a food court in the revised Master Plan for the tourists.
The spokesperson said Mufti Sayeed visited Pahalgam Mini Hydel Power Project, Old Pahalgam Village Market, Betaab Valley and Aru and Circuit Roads.
He also inspected the newly-laid helipad, which would facilitate movement of choppers from Pahalgam to Panjtatrini during the yatra period.
The CM also passed instructions for landscaping of open areas on either side of the circuit and Aru roads and connecting of Iceland and Sekhpathri parks by a zipline.
He also issued directions for clearing of debris of SRTC building, which was gutted early this year, in Pahalgam market to open up the area.
He also granted one month extension to the Tourism Department to complete the work on the Pahalgam Club. It was scheduled to be inaugurated on August 8. — PTI
