DD Correspondent
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday visited the Nunwan Base Camp and reviewed the arrangements for pilgrims undertaking the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor inspected facilities at the camp and chaired a meeting with senior officials to assess arrangements for drinking water, electricity, telecom connectivity, accommodation, food, healthcare, emergency services and security. He also inspected the Yatra Registration Counter and reviewed the registration process.
Directing all departments to work in mission mode, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to ensure the safety and welfare of the pilgrims.
“Today marks 15 days since the pilgrimage began, and more than 3.50 lakh devotees have had darshan of Baba Bholenath. By the grace of Lord Shiva, the yatra is progressing smoothly. Devotees from across the country are participating with great enthusiasm, while local residents and service providers are actively contributing to its success,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure complete protection of the environment and called for special cleanliness drives along both yatra routes and at all camps.
“We are committed to a waste-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and must work together under a whole-of-government approach to fulfil this commitment,” he said.
He also instructed officials to regularly obtain feedback from pilgrims and promptly address their concerns. To ensure transparency and prevent overcharging, he directed that all services for pilgrims should strictly follow a 100 per cent prepaid system.
In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall in the coming days, the Lieutenant Governor directed the administration and all stakeholder agencies to strengthen contingency measures and remain fully prepared to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims. He also ordered that every tent must be equipped with a fire extinguisher.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with pilgrims, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, particularly cleanliness, sanitation, security, accommodation and the support provided by personnel engaged in yatra duties.
He said the expansion of infrastructure and pilgrim facilities in recent years has been reflected in the positive feedback from devotees and stressed the need to ensure seamless access to all services.
The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with shopkeepers, service providers, langar sevadars and volunteers, and appreciated their contribution to the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Speaking to mediapersons, he said that coordinated efforts by the administration, police, Army, security forces, Shrine Board and other stakeholders have significantly improved this year’s arrangements.
He added that the pilgrimage continues to provide substantial economic benefits to Jammu and Kashmir and noted that many pilgrims are purchasing local products, including handloom and handicrafts, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to support local artisans.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that this year’s Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra would be remembered as a historic and memorable pilgrimage.
