Srinagar- More than 3.50 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine in the first 15 days of the annual pilgrimage, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday, asserting that the Yatra is progressing smoothly amid enhanced facilities and security arrangements.
Lieutenant Governor visited the Nunwan base camp of the annual Amarnath Yatra and reviewed the arrangements for pilgrims, directing all departments to work in mission mode to ensure their safety, comfort and welfare.
Chairing a high-level meeting with senior civil, police and Shrine Board officials, Sinha assessed the availability of essential services, including drinking water, electricity, telecom connectivity, accommodation, food, healthcare, emergency response and security. He also inspected the Yatra registration counter and reviewed the registration process.
The Lieutenant Governor said more than 3.50 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine during the first 15 days of the pilgrimage, which he said was progressing smoothly.
“There is tremendous enthusiasm among devotees from across the country, while local residents and service providers are making valuable contributions to ensure the success of the pilgrimage,” he said.
Sinha directed officials to intensify cleanliness drives along both pilgrimage routes and at all camps, stressing the need to ensure a waste-free Yatra.
He also instructed departments to regularly obtain feedback from pilgrims and ensure prompt redressal of grievances. All services provided to pilgrims should strictly follow a 100 per cent prepaid system to ensure transparency and prevent overcharging, he said.
In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall over the coming days, the Lieutenant Governor directed the administration and all stakeholder agencies to strengthen contingency measures and ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims. He also instructed that every tent at the base camp must be equipped with a fire extinguisher.
During the visit, Sinha interacted with pilgrims, who expressed satisfaction over the arrangements, including sanitation, accommodation, security and other facilities.
He also met shopkeepers, service providers, langar sevadars and volunteers, appreciating their role in facilitating the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
Speaking to reporters, the Lieutenant Governor said coordinated efforts by the administration, police, Army, security forces and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board had resulted in significantly improved arrangements this year. He added that the pilgrimage was also boosting the local economy, with many devotees purchasing Kashmiri handloom and handicraft products following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to support local artisans.
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