Composite culture on display: LG directs seamless yatra arrangements

Pahalgam, July 03: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha undertook a visit to the Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps, where he interacted with pilgrims, service providers, as well as administrative and security officials engaged in overseeing the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
During his visit, he took stock of the arrangements and issued directives to ensure a smooth, safe, and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for devotees.
Highlighting the historical significance of the annual pilgrimage, Lt Governor Sinha stressed that the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has played a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir over several centuries. He remarked that the pilgrimage serves as a beacon of brotherhood, uniting people from diverse backgrounds and states in a spiritual journey towards salvation, while also promoting values of equality, compassion, and humanism.
“The eyes of the world are upon Jammu and Kashmir as we celebrate this annual yatra. Therefore, all concerned authorities must collaborate closely to provide a warm welcome and a memorable experience to the pilgrims,” said the Lt Governor.
Lt Governor Sinha urged stakeholders to maintain effective coordination on cutoff timings, facilitating the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage while also ensuring convenience for locals and tourists. He emphasized the need for enhanced traffic management and smooth movement of pilgrims through checkpoints, drawing inspiration from the successful deployment of trained manpower during the recently held G20 summit at Srinagar.
During his visit to the DRDO hospital, the Lt Governor interacted with doctors and medical staff, instructing officials to ensure round-the-clock healthcare facilities for the pilgrims. Additionally, he appraised various services such as lodging, Langar (community kitchen), power and water supply, sanitation, and healthcare facilities to ensure pilgrims’ comfort and well-being.
Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, briefed Lt Governor Sinha on the day-wise status of Yatris arriving at the Base Camp.
The Lt Governor was accompanied by Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Sh. Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Piyush Singla, Administrative Secretary of Revenue Department, and other senior officers from the District Administration, SASB, Police, and Army.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, an annual pilgrimage of profound spiritual and cultural significance, not only enriches the lives of countless devotees but also serves as a shining example of communal harmony and shared heritage for the entire nation. The government and all stakeholders are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims during this auspicious journey.