SRINAGAR: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha honoured the team behind the 52-day-long Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 at a ceremony in Raj Bhawan Auditorium. The felicitation celebrated the seamless coordination among various agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, Air Force, CAPFs, health services, and volunteers, which enabled a record number of pilgrims to complete the challenging pilgrimage this year.
In his address, Sinha highlighted the spiritual importance of the Amarnath Yatra, describing it as a symbol of unity and brotherhood that reflects India’s rich cultural heritage. He praised the “collaborative spirit” that allowed for a hassle-free and sacred journey for devotees to the Holy Cave.
This year’s Yatra saw 5,12,252 devotees complete darshans at the Holy Cave, marking the highest number in twelve years and the fourth time pilgrim numbers have exceeded the five-lakh mark.
Ensuring the safety, health, and comfort of pilgrims was a monumental task, and several facilities were set up along both the Baltal and Pahalgam Yatra routes:
Healthcare Facilities: 77 healthcare centres were established along the Yatra route, equipped with 509 clinical beds and 26 oxygen booths for medical emergencies.
Medical Personnel: Approximately 1,238 doctors and nursing staff were deployed, with two 100-bed hospitals set up at Chandanwari and Baltal to provide primary and emergency care.
The involvement of over 32,000 ponywalas, pithuwalas, and palkiwalas offered vital support for pilgrims navigating the arduous trek, while a dedicated workforce of 7,000 sanitation workers and 600 trained professionals worked around the clock to keep the routes clean. This year, a “Zero Landfill” initiative was implemented, with the goal of a litter-free Yatra achieved through the tireless efforts of volunteers known as Swachhagrahis.
This year, the Yatra saw several technological improvements that streamlined the pilgrimage experience:
Digital Registrations: A 100 per cent E-KYC-based registration system and a prepaid service option made it easier for devotees to access services.
Power and Illumination: Grid-based power illumination was extended to Panchtarni, the Cave, and along the entire Baltal route, enhancing safety for night-time pilgrims.
Transportation and Accessibility: New Road developments on the Pahalgam axis, between Chandanwari and Pissu Top, and an expanded Heli Charter service from Srinagar Airport to Neelgrath contributed to a smoother journey.
In addition, facilities such as clock rooms, upgraded accommodation, and a Yatra Niwas at Pantha Chowk provided logistical support for pilgrims.
The success of the Yatra was attributed to the joint efforts of various agencies, from the civil administration, police, and military to disaster response teams and social organisations. Attending the event were key officials, including Chief Secretary Sh. Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Lt. Gen. Prashant Srivastava (GOC 15 Corps), and Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, CEO of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board.
