Div Com Kashmir reviews arrangements for 6th edition of Khelo India Winter Games

Srinagar Feb 18: Following the announcement of dates for the commencement of 2nd leg of the 6th Edition of the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg chaired a comprehensive meeting to review preparations for the smooth and successful conduct of the national sporting event.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Commissioner SMC, SSP Traffic Srinagar, SSP Security, SSP Traffic Rural, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, CEO GDA, RTO, and officers from various departments including Information, Health, PHE, KPDCL, Transport, Hospitality & Protocol, Tourism, Cable Car Corporation, IMD, ULB, RDD, Rural Sanitation, Doordarshan, and other concerned agencies.

At the outset, Secretary, J&K Sports Council gave a detailed presentation covering the number of participants, expected VIP attendance, scheduled events, accommodation availability, transportation plans, cultural programmes, and promotional activities.

While chairing the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed a wide range of arrangements, including the arrival of participants at Srinagar Airport, transportation logistics to Gulmarg, accommodation facilities, and essential services such as electricity, drinking water, sanitation, mobile network connectivity, and critical healthcare services. He stressed the need for seamless coordination among all departments.

Emphasizing synergy and accountability, he directed the appointment of nodal officers for specific roles and assignments. He also ordered the activation of a joint control room to facilitate effective communication among stakeholder departments and ensure timely dissemination of information, further strengthening interdepartmental coordination.

The Divisional Commissioner instructed the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the availability of an ECG machine at Gandola, deployment of medical teams, and placement of a critical care ambulance at the venue. He also called for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation at the venues and along the route from Srinagar Airport to Gulmarg.

Highlighting safety measures, he directed an increase in the number of Avalanche Rescue Team members for immediate response to any hazard and emphasized the mandatory use of anti-skid chains by vehicles operating on Gulmarg-Tangmarg road.

Also, he instructed the Director Tourism to leverage the event to promote tourism activities and boost tourist footfall in the region.