SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Sunday directed the officials to prioritize the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims, while ensuring that every devotee of Baba Barfani is made aware of the importance of valid registration with designated dates to minimize waiting times. “Maintain close coordination, remain available on the ground, and ensure prompt grievance redressal of pilgrims,” the Lieutenant Governor told the officials while reviewing the management of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra along with the senior officials, visited the Nunwan Base Camp.
The Lieutenant Governor chaired a meeting with the administrative and security officials and discussed key aspects including movement of pilgrims, security measures, accommodation facilities, registration progress, and other logistical requirements essential for hassle-free holy Yatra.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with pilgrims and assured them that Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and all yatra management departments are working tirelessly to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free spiritual journey.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the officers to adopt a pilgrim-centric approach and ensure that no devotee faces inconvenience. He specifically instructed that in cases where members of the same family arrive together but one member is unable to obtain registration while the others have valid permits, every possible assistance should be extended to facilitate the family’s pilgrimage together in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed serious concern over reports of certain travel agents facilitating fake registrations, resulting in pilgrims arriving at the Yatra without proper verification. He directed the Police and concerned authorities to identify such travel agents and take strict legal action against those found involved in fraudulent registration practices.
Sinha also visited Chandanwari and reviewed the ground situation and pilgrim facilities at the camp. He interacted with the officials, pilgrims, volunteers, langar sevadars and other service providers. He instructed the yatra management teams to examine pilgrim feedback and remain available for round-the-clock support. “Through seamless whole of government approach, we are leaving no stone unturned to provide excellent food and lodging to the devotees of Lord Shiva. I want every Yatri to have a blissful darshan and a profoundly enriching spiritual experience,” the LG said.
During his visit, Sinha inspected the Base Hospital at Chandanwari to assess healthcare arrangements for the Yatris. He toured wards, labs, and emergency units, and interacted with patients to check on their well-being and care quality. Sinha appreciated the dedication of doctors, paramedics, and healthcare workers, ensuring quality healthcare services for pilgrims.
He was informed that the adequate stocks of medicines and essential medical equipment are available, and specialist doctors, nursing staff and paramedics have been deployed to provide prompt treatment. Comprehensive healthcare services are provided daily to all pilgrims, service providers, and support staff, with the OPD averaging 2,500 patient visits per day.
Speaking to the media persons, Sinha said, “Having closely monitored the holy Yatra over the past four years, I have noted a massive surge in pilgrim numbers this year. In response, the Administration, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, and all key stakeholders have stepped up, implementing significantly better arrangements than in previous years.” To support pilgrims, the 100-bed hospital at Chandanwari has been operational for the last two years, delivering vital healthcare services. The annual pilgrimage to the 3880 metre high cable shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas began on July 3 and will culminate on August 28 to coincide with Raksha Bandhan.
Meanwhile a fresh batch of over 6,700 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here early Sunday for the Amarnath shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas under tight security, officials said. The batch including 1,310 women and 22 children, left the Jammu base camp in two separate convoys at 3 am and 3.40 am, the officials said. This was the fourth batch of pilgrims leaving Jammu for Kashmir since July 2, when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the yatra from Jammu.
With this, a total of 20,220 pilgrims have left the Jammu base camp for the valley so far. More than 26,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine during the first two days of the annual 57-day Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 3. The officials said the first convoy, carrying 2,590 pilgrims in 152 vehicles, left for the Baltal base camp, while the second convoy, comprising 4,131 pilgrims in 139 vehicles, proceeded to the Pahalgam base camp to undertake the pilgrimage.
