Pahalgam, Jul 17 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that over 3.50 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine during the first 15 days of the annual pilgrimage.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Lieutenant Governor visited the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam, where he inspected the facilities being provided to pilgrims and chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials to assess the arrangements for the ongoing yatra.
“Today marks 15 days since the pilgrimage began, and in these 15 days more than 3.50 lakh pilgrims have had darshan of Baba Bholenath. By the grace of Lord Shiva, the yatra is proceeding smoothly. There is great enthusiasm among devotees coming from every corner of the country, and local residents and service providers are also actively engaged in making this sacred pilgrimage a success,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha directed the officials to ensure that the environment remains fully protected. He further instructed for special cleanliness drives along both routes and camps.
“We are dedicated to a waste-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and we must, working together under a whole-of-government approach, fulfill this commitment,” the Lieutenant Governor told the officials.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the officers to regularly obtain feedback from the pilgrims and ensure prompt redressal of any issues brought to their notice. He instructed that all services provided to the pilgrims should strictly follow a 100 percent prepaid system to ensure transparency and prevent overcharging.
In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall over the coming days, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Administration and all stakeholder agencies to remain fully prepared, strengthen contingency measures and ensure the safety, security and convenience of the pilgrims under all circumstances. He also directed that each tent should have a mandatory Fire Extinguisher.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the pilgrims and discussed about their experience during the holy pilgrimage. The pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and appreciated the cleanliness, sanitation arrangements, security, accommodation facilities and invaluable support of the personnel engaged in Yatra duties.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the expansion of infrastructure and pilgrim facilities in recent years has been reflected positively in the feedback from devotees.
He said, alongside these advancements, it is essential to ensure that every pilgrim can access these facilities seamlessly, without any impediment.
The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with shopkeepers, service providers, langar-sevadars, volunteers, and lauded their valuable contribution in facilitating the smooth pilgrimage of the devotees of Baba Barfani.
Talking to reporters, LG Sinha lauded the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, J&K Police, the Army, CAPFs and all other agencies involved in managing the pilgrimage, saying the arrangements made this year have been significantly strengthened to ensure the safety and comfort of devotees.
He said the annual pilgrimage is also expected to provide a substantial boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy by benefiting local businesses, transport operators, hoteliers, pony owners, labourers and other service providers.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to pilgrims to purchase locally made products, LG Sinha said the initiative would further strengthen the livelihoods of local artisans, traders and entrepreneurs.
Later, in a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said he inspected the facilities at the Nunwan Base Camp and reviewed arrangements for the smooth conduct of the yatra.
He said the review meeting focused on essential services, including drinking water, electricity, telecom connectivity, accommodation and food facilities, adding that all departments have been directed to function in mission mode to ensure the welfare and convenience of pilgrims.
LG Sinha also noted that there was tremendous enthusiasm among devotees from across the country and appreciated the active support of local residents and service providers in making the annual pilgrimage a success.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by VK 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 of Shrine Board, civil administration, police and security forces—(KNO)