Banihal, June 23: In view of the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, a joint security and disaster management mock drill was conducted on Tuesday at Yatra Niwas Chanderkote, Yatra Langar site and along the National Highway-44 in Ramban district to review preparedness and enhance the response mechanism against any possible threat or emergency situation.
During the exercise, drones and dog squads were deployed to strengthen surveillance and security arrangements. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Home Guards and Fire and Emergency Services Department participated in the drill.
The mock exercise focused on improving coordination among different security and emergency response agencies and ensuring swift action during any unforeseen situation related to the annual pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence from July 3 this year. An official said that the Ramban stretch of NH-44 holds strategic importance for the pilgrimage as thousands of devotees pass through the district during their onward journey towards the holy cave shrine.
He said that Chanderkote and Lambar Ground Banihal will be established as major Yatra facilities with several langars for pilgrims. The Yatra Niwas at Chanderkote, constructed by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, has accommodation facilities for more than 5,000 pilgrims and will serve as a shelter in case of highway disruptions, adverse weather conditions, or any situation affecting the yatra route from Pahalgam and Baltal.
