Katra, Aug 31: The government of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday ordered the vacation of commercial establishments, including hotels and Dharamshala’s, from Balini Bridge to Darshani Deodi and from Balini Bridge to Asia Chowk in the vulnerable zone, citing the safety and security of pilgrims, officials said.
According to an official order, “heavy rains and inclement weather conditions have resulted in massive landslides in the Subdivision Katra in recent days especially near Balini Bridge and near Shani Temple at Kadmal besides the sinking of roads at few spots making number of places vulnerable to future landslides/damages.” it
Emphasizing, it said, “this has the potential to endanger human lives keeping in view the number of pilgrims visiting Katra town for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra”
it is imperative to assess the safety of the structures of the commercial establishments located in Katra for the overall safety & security of the pilgrims, before the pilgrims are allowed to enter/stay, it added.
It said that in view of the recent incidents reported, particularly the commercial establishments located on the hill from Asia Chowk to Balini Bridge and from Balini Bridge to Darshani Deodi have become vulnerable and may face such incidents in future.
It noted that the continued operation of aforesaid commercial establishments poses a risk to public safety and security in view of the prevailing situation.
Piyush Dhotra, JKAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Katra, to avoid any untoward incident and to ensure smooth regulation of public order and safety of the pilgrims in the said area, issued an order stating that “in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, I hereby order the vacation of all commercial establishments located on the stretch from Asia Chowk to Balini Bridge and from Balini Bridge to Darshani Deodi with immediate effect, till these establishments obtain Safety Certificate from the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Katra.” .
Since it is not possible to serve prior notice of this order, it is as such being issued ex-parte. Any violation of this order shall invite strict punitive action under section 223 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the order further stated.
