Div Com says call on macadamisation to be taken soon
Srinagar, Jun 18: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg on Thursday said all arrangements are in place to ensure smooth and better facilities for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 pilgrims, with a system in place for both the Nunwan and Baltal axes, and departments having started providing services on both routes.
Speaking to reporters, Garg said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been constantly reviewing arrangements, and district administrations are ready to facilitate the yatris. “We hope the yatris in large numbers will come for the pilgrimage this year and we will provide the best facilities to them,” he said, adding that meetings with service providers are also being held.
On Muharram-ul-Haram arrangements, the Div Com said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has recently chaired a review meeting, and a set system has been in place for the past three years. “All facilities will be provided in the districts, and keeping in view the tourist season, we will ensure that Muharram processions as well as the tourist season will not be affected,” he said.
Reacting to the halt in the macadamization plan due to poor response to tenders, Garg said the matter was under consideration at the highest levels of the government. “It is a policy matter, and the highest level of the government is aware of it. As far as rates are concerned, the Middle East crisis has had an impact. I am sure that at the government level, a decision in this regard will be taken soon,” he said.
The Divisional Commissioner was responding to queries regarding contractors’ reluctance to participate in macadamization tenders, with many seeking a revision in rates, citing increased costs of bitumen and other construction materials. The issue has affected the pace of road surfacing works across Kashmir, with several tenders reportedly receiving little or no response from contractors.
