Baltal, Jul 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that the Amarnath Yatra was boosting Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and uplifting lives of the people.
Visiting the Baltal base camp and reviewing the arrangements for Amarnath Yatris, LG Sinha said that the Amarnath Yatra was not only transforming the spiritual lives of devotees but also uplifting the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He inspected Base Camp Hospital, on-spot registration counters, tents, and other facilities, along with the senior officials and directed all line departments to ensure seamless inter-departmental synergy for a hassle-free and memorable yatra experience.
“The comfort of Amarnath Yatris must remain the highest priority. From registration to accommodation, from smooth movement to darshan, every step of the journey should be seamless and free of any obstacles. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and every department involved are united in their dedication to making this spiritual journey a safe, seamless, and deeply memorable experience for all,” the LG said.
He interacted with service providers, sanitation workers, doctors, and the volunteers who tirelessly run the community kitchens. “Their spirit of selfless service is truly inspiring. This year’s larger crowds are also bringing new opportunities and positive economic change for local traders and service providers,” LG Sinha said. He said that Amarnath Yatra was a living symbol of aspirational Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is woven into the very soul of this land, and preserving its sanctity and cleanliness is our collective duty,” the LG said. He directed the authorities to take strict legal action against anyone involved in overcharging pilgrims or executing fraudulent registrations. Whether it is a service provider, a government employee, or an individual associated with any institution, make no exceptions and register a case immediately, LG Sinha said. He emphasised a comprehensive audit of all sanitation arrangements.
The LG ordered officials to ensure an uninterrupted, 24/7 water supply. The concerned officers briefed LG Sinha about the arrangements related to security, sanitation, healthcare, accommodation, water and power supply, and other essential services.
It was informed that an effective feedback mechanism had been put in place and immediate steps are being taken to address issues highlighted by pilgrims.
During the review meeting, it was also informed that the number of RO water installations along the yatra track had been increased to ensure adequate availability of clean drinking water for yatris.
LG Sinha also interacted with the yatris and enquired about the facilities extended to them. He appreciated the arrangements made by the line departments, administration, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, police, army, security forces, and other stakeholders for their smooth yatra.
“I invite all devotees of Baba Barfani to come, experience the darshan of lord Shiva, and let this yatra be a journey of self-discovery and spiritual joy,” the LG said.
Speaking to media persons, he said: “Today marks the eighth day of the Amarnath Yatra, and so far, around 1,70,000 yatris have paid their obeisance at the Amarnath Cave shrine. J&K administration, Police, Army, security forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and all other stakeholders have worked in complete synergy to ensure that the yatra is hassle-free. Compared to previous years, a significant number of yatris arrived without prior registration. We have successfully facilitated their journey through the necessary protocols, ensuring a smooth process. Every effort is being made to ensure that all pilgrims return home with a positive experience. I am confident that in the coming days, devotees arriving from every corner of the country will carry back fond memories of their pilgrimage. A hundred-bed hospitals, located at Baltal and Chandanwari, have been fully operational, handling an average of 1300 to 1400 OPD patients daily. These hospitals are playing a critical role in safeguarding the health of both the pilgrims and the dedicated personnel deployed along the routes. I appeal to all yatris to strictly adhere to the guidelines established by the administration and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. The entire administrative machinery is working round-the-clock to assist you. In case of any inconvenience, please immediately inform the nearest Camp Director or deployed security personnel, and all possible assistance will be provided on priority.”
LG Sinha was accompanied by Mandeep K Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; V K Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Sujit Kumar, IGP Security; M Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic J&K; Muhammad Aijaz, Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rahul Yadav, Managing Director JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for Baltal Axis; Rajiv Omprakashn, DIG CKR; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal; Sudhanshu Dhama, SSP Ganderbal; Anoo Malhotra, DG Rural Sanitation J&K, and senior officers of Shrine Board, civil administration, police and security forces.
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