Srinagar, Oct 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today honored officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Administration, Police, Army, Air Force, CAPFs, Emergency and Health Services, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and volunteers who played a pivotal role in the smooth conduct of the 52-day-long Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2024.
The felicitation ceremony was held at the Raj Bhawan Auditorium, where the Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to the officials, service providers, and stakeholders for ensuring a hassle-free pilgrimage for the devotees. He praised their coordinated efforts, which contributed to the seamless arrangements throughout the Yatra.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a symbol of our spiritual heritage, representing the values of unity, diversity, and brotherhood. The collaborative spirit of the people and the dedication of Team J&K ensured a smooth and safe pilgrimage for the Yatris,” said LG Sinha.
During the event, it was highlighted that 5,12,252 pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave this year, marking the highest number in twelve years and the fourth instance of crossing the 5 lakh mark.
The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the contributions of various sections of society, including administration officials, Shrine Board, security forces, medical staff, sanitation workers, and volunteers, who collectively ensured a memorable spiritual experience for the pilgrims.
In his address, LG Sinha extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their continuous support and guidance, which were instrumental in the successful conduct of the Yatra.
Comprehensive arrangements were in place across the Yatra tracks, including 77 healthcare facilities, 509 clinical beds, and 26 oxygen booths. Hospitals with 100-bed capacities were established at Chandanwari and Baltal, with over 1,200 doctors and nursing staff on duty to attend to the pilgrims. Additionally, more than 32,000 ponywalas, pithuwalas, and palkiwalas aided the Yatris in reaching the shrine, while around 7,000 sanitation workers maintained cleanliness along the routes.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the efforts made towards a zero landfill-based waste disposal system, highlighting the significant contributions of ‘Swachhagrahis’ in achieving a litter-free Yatra.
Several new initiatives were introduced this year, including 100% E-KYC-based registration, a prepaid system for availing services, grid-based power illumination, and fast-response maintenance of wider and safer roads. Other notable improvements included the development of a new track on the Pahalgam Axis, heli charter services from Srinagar Airport to Neelgrath, and enhanced accommodation facilities at Yatra Niwas at Pantha Chowk.
Prominent dignitaries, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava (GOC 15 Corps), and Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari (CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board), along with senior officers from the Civil and Police Administration, CAPFs, and the Army, were present at the ceremony.
