Srinagar, July 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conducted an inspection of the Nunwan base camp on Friday, assessing the facilities prepared for pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that during his visit to the base camp, the Lieutenant Governor presided over a meeting with senior officials. The discussion focused on reviewing the arrangements for essential services, including provisions for drinking water, electricity, telecommunication connectivity, accommodation, food, healthcare, emergency response, and security measures for the pilgrims. He also observed the functioning of the Yatra Registration Counter and evaluated the ongoing registration procedures.
The Lieutenant Governor issued directives for all departments to operate with a unified mission approach, prioritizing the well-being of the pilgrims. He noted that fifteen days into the pilgrimage, over 3.50 lakh pilgrims had already completed their darshan. He attributed the smooth progression of the Yatra to the grace of Lord Shiva and highlighted the significant enthusiasm among devotees from across the nation, as well as the active participation of local residents and service providers in ensuring the pilgrimage’s success.
Emphasizing environmental protection, the Lieutenant Governor instructed officials to maintain the pristine condition of the surrounding areas. Special cleanliness drives were also mandated along both pilgrimage routes and at all camps. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to a waste-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, underscoring the need for a collaborative, whole-of-government effort to achieve this objective.
Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor directed that feedback from pilgrims should be regularly solicited, with prompt resolution of any reported issues. He stipulated that all services provided to pilgrims must adhere to a 100 percent prepaid system to ensure transparency and prevent any instances of overcharging.
In anticipation of forecasts indicating heavy rainfall in the coming days, the Lieutenant Governor urged the administration and all stakeholder agencies to maintain a state of readiness. He emphasized strengthening contingency plans and ensuring the safety, security, and convenience of pilgrims under all circumstances. A mandatory requirement for each tent to be equipped with a fire extinguisher was also directed.
During his interactions, the Lieutenant Governor engaged with pilgrims, inquiring about their experiences. Many pilgrims expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements, commending the standards of cleanliness, sanitation, security, accommodation, and the invaluable support provided by the personnel involved in Yatra duties.
The Lieutenant Governor remarked that the expansion of infrastructure and pilgrim facilities in recent years has been positively reflected in devotee feedback. He stressed the importance of ensuring that these enhanced facilities are accessible to every pilgrim without any impediments.
He also met with shopkeepers, service providers, langar-sevadars, and volunteers, acknowledging their significant contributions to facilitating the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Speaking to media representatives, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the arrangements for the current Yatra have been substantially enhanced through the seamless coordination of various departments of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Police, Army, security forces, the Shrine Board, and all stakeholders. He noted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from pilgrims and highlighted the Yatra’s role in driving economic benefits for Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for pilgrims to purchase local products, noting that a considerable number of devotees are now buying local handicrafts and handloom items. He expressed confidence that the current pilgrimage would be remembered as a historic and memorable one.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by a delegation of senior officials including V. K. Birdi, IGP Kashmir; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic J&K; Sujit Kumar Singh, IGP Security; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Nodal Officer for Pahalgam Axis; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Javid Iqbal Matoo, DIG South Kashmir Range; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Amod Nagpure Ashok, SSP Anantnag; Anoo Malhotra, DG Rural Sanitation; and senior officers from the Shrine Board, civil administration, police, and security forces.
The Chenab Times News Desk