SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conducted a thorough review of the arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra at the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam on Friday, emphasizing the need for all departments and stakeholder agencies to operate in a coordinated ‘mission mode’ to ensure the safety, well-being, and convenience of the pilgrims.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that during a high-level review meeting held at the base camp, Lieutenant Governor Sinha assessed the availability and functionality of essential services. This included a detailed examination of provisions for drinking water, electricity, telecommunication connectivity, accommodation, food services, healthcare facilities, emergency response mechanisms, and overall security. He also personally inspected the Yatra Registration Counter to understand and streamline the registration process.
The Lieutenant Governor announced that the pilgrimage had successfully surpassed a significant milestone, with the holy cave shrine having welcomed over 3.5 lakh devotees within the initial 15 days of its commencement. He noted the smooth progression of the yatra and the immense enthusiasm displayed by pilgrims arriving from across the nation. Mr. Sinha also acknowledged the active participation and contribution of local residents and service providers in ensuring the pilgrimage’s success.
In his directives, Lieutenant Governor Sinha called for intensified environmental protection measures. He specifically instructed the launch of special cleanliness drives along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, as well as at all associated camps. “We are dedicated to a waste-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and we must, working together under a whole-of-government approach, fulfil this commitment,” he stated, underscoring a commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, Mr. Sinha instructed officials to establish a system for regularly collecting feedback from pilgrims. This feedback mechanism is intended to ensure the prompt redressal of any grievances encountered during their journey. He also mandated that all services provided to pilgrims must strictly adhere to a 100 percent prepaid system. This measure aims to promote transparency and prevent instances of overcharging.
With forecasts from the Meteorological Department indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall in the coming days, Lieutenant Governor Sinha urged the administration and all stakeholder agencies to bolster contingency measures. The objective is to remain fully prepared to guarantee the safety and convenience of pilgrims under all potential circumstances. As a proactive safety measure, he made it mandatory for every tent at the base camp to be equipped with a fire extinguisher.
During his visit to the Nunwan base camp, the Lieutenant Governor engaged directly with pilgrims. Many devotees expressed their satisfaction with the existing arrangements, highlighting the quality of sanitation, accommodation, security, and healthcare facilities. Mr. Sinha noted that the expansion of infrastructure and pilgrim amenities implemented in recent years has positively impacted pilgrim feedback, reinforcing the importance of ensuring easy access to these facilities for every devotee.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha also met with various stakeholders involved in the pilgrimage, including shopkeepers, service providers, langar sevadars, and volunteers. He commended their crucial contributions to the smooth and successful conduct of the sacred journey. Addressing members of the media, Mr. Sinha attributed the significantly improved arrangements for this year’s yatra to enhanced coordination among the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the police, the Army, security forces, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, and other involved entities.
He also highlighted the substantial economic activity generated by the pilgrimage within Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Sinha mentioned that a considerable number of devotees were actively purchasing locally manufactured handloom and handicraft products, a trend he attributed in part to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to support local artisans. The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by senior officials from the civil administration, police, security forces, and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board during his visit to the base camp.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
