SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday reviewed the facilities and services at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, stating that the pilgrimage has crossed the three lakh pilgrim mark in just 12 days and directing officials to ensure seamless arrangements for devotees.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, security forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the civil administration to assess the measures in place for pilgrims’ safety, accommodation and overall convenience. He commended their efforts and urged them to treat every pilgrim as a “divine guest”.
“With the holy pilgrimage already crossing the 3 lakh mark in just 12 days, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for pilgrims is our top priority,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He directed officials to ensure flawless registration, comfortable lodging and smooth travel arrangements for all devotees undertaking the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine.
The Lieutenant Governor also instructed the administration to promote Jammu Division’s spiritual and tourism destinations by organising sightseeing tours for pilgrims. He emphasised the promotion of local handicraft and handloom products so that pilgrims could take home locally made souvenirs.
“It is our goal that whenever Baba Amarnath pilgrims return home, they should carry a piece of Jammu with them in the form of beautiful local handmade products and unforgettable memories. Together, we resolve to make this year’s Yatra truly historic,” he said.
Sinha also reviewed the deployment of Food Safety Officers at community kitchens, facilities at reception and lodging centres, on-the-spot registration of pilgrims, transportation arrangements and the overall security grid.
He directed officials to optimise manpower deployment to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims efficiently throughout the Yatra and instructed them to closely monitor weather forecasts issued by the Meteorological Department and remain prepared for any adverse weather conditions.
During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, informed the Lieutenant Governor about legal action initiated against individuals allegedly involved in fraudulent practices related to the Yatra. Sinha directed that strict administrative and legal action be taken against any official found involved in misconduct.
The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with pilgrims at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas and wished them a safe, peaceful and blessed pilgrimage.
The visit was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP CRPF Jammu Sector Amol V. Homkar, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas, Municipal Commissioner Jammu Devansh Yadav, and senior officers from the civil administration, police and security forces.
