Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reviewed the ongoing repair and restoration works along the Amarnath Yatra routes following heavy rainfall that affected tracks and essential infrastructure, directing officials to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prioritise vulnerable stretches.
Chairing a high-level meeting with camp directors and senior officials, the Lieutenant Governor took stock of the damage caused to the yatra tracks, safety railings and other facilities due to the recent rains. He instructed executing agencies to focus on areas prone to mudslides, shooting stones and other weather-related risks to prevent any threat to pilgrims.
An official spokesperson said Sinha directed authorities to deploy additional Mountain Rescue Teams along the pilgrimage routes and ensure that pilgrims receive real-time weather updates and safety advisories in a proactive manner.
The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed the availability of essential services at the camps and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply, drinking water, communication facilities and healthcare services for pilgrims.
Earlier on Saturday, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said that the Amarnath Yatra through the Pahalgam axis had been temporarily suspended due to necessary repair and maintenance work following the damage caused by adverse weather conditions. The pilgrimage was partially restored after weather conditions improved and safety measures were reviewed.
On the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Vijay in the 1999 Kargil War.
In his message, Sinha said the courage and dedication of the armed forces in defending the nation’s sovereignty would continue to inspire generations.
“On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs who made a supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty and honour of Maa Bharti during Operation Vijay,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also paid tribute to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice and dedication as a symbol of national pride.
Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor Sinha flagged off a Reading Marathon on the banks of Dal Lake, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week celebrations marking six years of the National Education Policy (NEP).
The event, held under the theme “Run for a Green Future”, brought together thousands of students from colleges and universities across Jammu and Kashmir, combining the message of education, fitness and environmental responsibility.
Addressing participants, Sinha said education should go beyond classrooms and examinations and become a way of life.
“Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds, social spaces, and become a way of life,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the importance of balancing knowledge, physical fitness and environmental responsibility, saying reading expands thoughts, running strengthens the body and caring for nature builds social consciousness.
He urged students to take three pledges — make reading a daily habit, adopt environmental conservation practices and transform the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong commitment towards positive social change.
“True education is to put what you have read into practice,” Sinha said, encouraging youth to turn knowledge into action.
Addressing the youth during the event, Sinha also recalled the bravery of young soldiers who fought in the Kargil War and urged students to adopt values of discipline, leadership and national service.
He said many soldiers and officers who fought in Kargil were young, highlighting the examples of heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey and Captain Anuj Nayyar.
The Lieutenant Governor said the spirit of “Nation First” and a “Never Give Up” attitude should guide the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
“With the right direction and spirit, the youth can create new history,” he said, calling upon young people to contribute towards building a progressive and responsible society.
The events reflected the administration’s focus on ensuring safe pilgrimage management, honouring national heroes and promoting education, environmental awareness and youth participation across Jammu and Kashmir.
