Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on Saturday directed the officials to complete all preparations related to world famous Nanda Raj Jat Yatra in time and announced that there would not be lack of funds for world famous Yatra, chairing the meeting of Sri Nanda Devi Raj Jat 2013 Yatra Development Board held at Secretariat.
The Chief Minister said, “It is a matter of great pride that we got a chance to contribute in holy Nanda Raj Jat Yatra. I assure that there would be no dearth of funds required for successful organisation of the event.” He said that he would request the president to participate in the Yatra.
He directed the officials to seek cooperation of local representatives, non-government organisations, religious institutions, and industrialists in organisation of the event.
He also instructed for making strict security arrangements on route of the Yatra so that factious elements could not create any disturbance in the Yatra.
The Chief Minister instructed for developing coordination with other States for ensuring tight security arrangements. He asked the officials to ensure deployment of sufficient number of medical teams keeping in view arduous circumstances of the Yatra.
“Prepare a comprehensive emergency plan to deal with the situation of disaster, if there in any,” the Chief Minister said. He directed chief secretary Alok Kumar Jain to hold the meetings with each concerned department individually for regular review of preparations.
He passed instructions for creating a separate fund in which interested organisations might donate. He asked the officials to take steps required to make donated fund income tax free.
He instructed for holding next meeting in April and before that members of the committees and public representatives should submit their suggestions in black and white. “Apprise me finally of additional budget required during next meeting,” the Chief Minister said.
“Pay special attention on construction and repairing of link routes and culverts and ensure that all constructions be of permanent nature,” he said.
Tourism Minister Amrita Rawat said keeping in view inflow of large number of devotees from across the nation and abroad in Yatra, proper arrangements of accommodation, food, medical and transport were being made.
Opposition leader Ajay Bhatt assured the Government of extending full cooperation in ensuring successful organisation of the Yatra.
It was informed in the meeting that starting from August 29, the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, which takes place once in 12 years, would continue till September 16. The department has identified a total 25 sojourns.
Several works, including repairing of the route of the Yatra, arrangements of food, water, tracking route, parking, and power supply are in progress. Deputy speaker Assembly Anusuya Prasad Maikhuri, Member of Parliament KC Singh Baba, MlA Rajendra Bhandari, lalit Faswarn, Jeetram Arya, Manoj Tewari and Ajay Bhatt attended the meeting along with the officials of the Tourism department.