Performs Pratham Puja of Amarnath Yatra
Launches Rural Sanitation Directorate’s Swachh initiatives
New Swachhinitiatives aim for zero-waste pilgrimage
Calls for unity to welcome pilgrims from across India & abroad
Nandi App, shivamsankalpamastu.in website to offer yatra details
Holy Yatrato begin from June29
Srinagar, June 22:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Saturday that comprehensive arrangements are in place for the upcoming AmarnathYatra.
Speaking to reporters at Raj Bhawan after performing the Pratham Puja virtually, LG Sinha assured that this year’s Yatra would be smoother than previous years, thanks to the enhanced measures by security forces and the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
“We have brought qualitative improvements to the overall Yatra experience for devotees,” Sinha said, highlighting significant enhancements in essential facilities, infrastructure, and security. He emphasized the commitment of the officials of the Amarnath Shrine Board and concerned departments to provide better facilities and services, ensuring a smooth, safe, and hassle-free pilgrimage.
Sinha called on citizens to unite in welcoming and serving the pilgrims from different parts of the country and abroad. “It has been an ancient tradition of J&K that people from all communities participate in this Yatra irrespective of their religion,” he stated.
On the upgrade of routes leading to the holy cave, Sinha mentioned that the Border Roads Organisation had improved the stretches to facilitate hassle-free movement for pilgrims. This year, the annual AmarnathYatra will commence on June 29, with routes opening from both the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the Baltal track in Ganderbal district.
The Pratham Puja, attended by Chief Secretary AtalDulloo, Dr.Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of the Amarnathji Shrine Board, senior officials of SASB, the Army, and the LG’s Secretariat, marked the ceremonial commencement of the Yatra. Sinha sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the health, progress, and well-being of all people.
Later, at another function, Sinha launched various Swachh Bharat initiatives for the yatra.
“Happy to launch various Swachh Bharat initiatives of Directorate of Rural Sanitation for ShriAmarnathJiYatra 2024. A new logo, SwachhYatra Anthem, website and mobile application developed by the directorate will greatly benefit our objective of zero-waste pilgrimage,” the LG said.
The launch event, held at Raj Bhawan, featured the introduction of a new logo, SwachhYatra Anthem, website, and mobile application, all aimed at achieving a Zero-Waste Pilgrimage.
“The new initiatives will greatly benefit our objective of a Zero-Waste Pilgrimage,” said Sinha. He praised the integrated strategy of the UT Administration and the Shrine Board, focusing on a clean and efficient sanitation system and the protection of natural resources and the environment.
“J&K is at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism. For this holy Yatra, we have devised a solution through the fusion of technology and human resources,” the Lt Governor remarked. The new logo ‘शिवसंकल्पमस्तु’ symbolizes the resolve to make the Yatra memorable. The dedicated website shivamsankalpamastu.in and the Nandi- the YatraSaarthi App will serve as accurate sources of information related to the Yatra and sanitation.
“For this holy Yatra, we’ve worked a solution through fusion of tech & human resource. Our integrated strategy aims at zero-waste, clean & efficient sanitation system & complete protection to natural resources & environment,” the LG said on X.
Sinha also lauded initiatives aimed at creating awareness among pilgrims and stakeholders, noting that the anthem ‘ChalAmarnath’ represents the convergence of spirituality, natural heritage, and ecology. He called upon officials and stakeholders to prioritize the installation of requisite facilities for the Yatra and emphasized the importance of sensitizing sanitation workers on cleanliness and hygiene. Special attention is needed for the environment-friendly disposal of solid waste, as well as the provision of piped water, power connections, lighting, and necessary facilities at all toilets.
The launch ceremony was attended by Dr.Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Dr.ShahidIqbalChoudhary, Secretary of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Ms.AnooMalhotra, Director General of Rural Sanitation, and other senior officials.
