Ganderbal, July 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with pilgrims, service providers, and officials while reviewing the ongoing arrangements for the sacred ShriAmarnathJiYatra during his visit to the ShriAmarnathJiYatra Base Camp at Baltal, today,.
Lt Governor expressed his satisfaction over the significant contributions made by the ShriAmarnathJiYatra to tourism, employment generation, and revenue. He acknowledged how the journey has brought immense happiness to people’s lives and has empowered local aspirations. The Lt Governor emphasized that the pilgrimage has become a symbol of modernity and eternity while also fostering cultural diversity and communal harmony in the region.
In a review meeting with senior officers of the Administration, stakeholder departments, SASB, Police, and Security Forces, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha urged everyone to maintain enthusiasm for excellent service, seamless coordination, and effective communication. He also stressed the importance of promptly addressing any concerns and encouraged seeking feedback from the pilgrims during the remaining period of the Yatra.
He further directed the authorities to ensure that every possible comfort is provided to the pilgrims. The Lt Governor inspected security arrangements, Heli operations, accommodation, food, connectivity, transportation, power and water supply, sanitation, health facilities, availability of fire tenders, parking facilities, and the effectiveness of awareness and IEC programs for the yatris.
Security measures were also a key topic of discussion during the meeting. The installation of fences and CCTV cameras along the route and at critical points, as well as regular mobile testing of food quality, were among the matters deliberated. The preparedness of departments, police, security forces, health, and disaster response teams was also reviewed, especially considering the weather exigencies.
Dr RaghavLangar, Secretary, Planning Development & Monitoring Department, and Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, briefed the Lt Governor on the yatra arrangements at Baltal axis.
During his visit, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha took the time to interact with various delegations, including representatives of pony walas, shop owners, tent providers, Langar organizations, and NGOs. He commended their dedication and commitment to enriching the spiritual tradition of the holy yatra and bringing immeasurable joy to the pilgrims. The Lt Governor also invited suggestions from the stakeholders to further improve the seamless services provided to the devotees of Baba AmarnathJi.
At the base camp, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha visited the eco-friendly, sustainable Langar set up by the Rural Development Department in collaboration with Swaaha Resource Management. He also inaugurated a Langar installed by CRPF and distributed jute bags and vermi-compost bags to the pilgrims. Furthermore, jackets sponsored by J&K Bank were also distributed by the Lt Governor among the service providers.
The visit was attended by several other dignitaries, including Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, ShriAmarnathJi Shrine Board; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; ShSujit Kumar Singh, DIG, and other senior officers of the UT Administration, ShriAmarnathJi Shrine Board, Police, and Army.
