Amarnath Yatra
Performed ‘Pratham Puja’; becomes first SASB chairman in recent times to reach Holy Cave via Baltal Track
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said foolproof security arrangements have been made for the forthcoming annual Amarnath Yatra and urged pilgrims to visit the cave shrine in large numbers.
Sinha performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the cave shrine, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual yatra this year.
“The Pratham Puja was concluded. I request the devotees to come in large numbers for the yatra which will start on July 3 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 9,” Sinha said.
He said the Shrine Board and the administration have improved the facilities for the pilgrims this year.
“Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, and other CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements. So, I think there is no need for anyone to think about anything, they should come and take Baba’s blessings,” Sinha added.
“Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,” the LG said on ‘X’ later.
He said the J-K administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Army, BRO, CAPFs, J-K Police and all stakeholders are working with complete devotion, dedication, collaboration and clear objectives for hassle-free and safe pilgrimage.
“Invaluable contributions of people of J&K, Civil Society and all service providers have always been truly exceptional. I have full faith that significant improvements to facilities and services will ensure this year’s pilgrimage is memorable and spiritually fulfilling for all devotees,” he said.
Sinha earlier conducted inspection of works for yatra at the Baltal axis of the pilgrimage.
He ascertained the progress of the works being carried out at the Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Baltal axis in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, an official spokesman said.
Sinha directed the officials to timely complete the infrastructure projects being developed to enhance facilities for pilgrims of the yatra.
The 38-day yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 from the twin axis of Baltal and Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Earlier in the day, Sinha undertook an inspection of Yatra works at the Baltal axis in Ganderbal district.
He reviewed the progress of ongoing works at the Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex and directed officials to ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects.
In a significant development, the LG also became the first Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board in recent times to undertake the pilgrimage to the Holy Cave via the Baltal track.
During his visit, he inspected maintenance, upgradation, and widening works along the route and took a firsthand review of safety arrangements by the SASB and BRO.
Highlighting preparations for the 2025 Yatra, the LG announced that an alternate route from Chandanwari to Pissutop will be opened with improved surfacing and safety hand railings to better manage on-foot pilgrim movement along the Chandanwari axis. Vulnerable sections on the Pahalgam route have already been reinforced with railings, while unstable formations have been secured using gabion walls, breast walls, ILC fencing, and wire mesh to prevent rockfalls. Slippery sections on both routes have been treated with granular sub-base material and fitted with ILCB tiles for added safety.
The 38-day Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 via the twin routes of Baltal in central Kashmir and Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
