Associated News Bureau

LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Amarnath Yatra Arrangements at Bhagwati Nagar, Stresses Seamless Pilgrim Services and Promotion of Jammu Tourism

Jammu, July 15: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday reviewed the facilities and services for pilgrims at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, directing officials to ensure seamless registration, comfortable accommodation and smooth travel arrangements for devotees undertaking the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, security forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the civil administration to assess the arrangements made for the convenience and safety of pilgrims. Commending the efforts of all agencies involved in the Yatra, Sinha urged officials to treat every pilgrim as a "divine guest" and maintain the highest standards of hospitality and service. Highlighting the overwhelming response to the annual pilgrimage, the Lieutenant Governor said that with the Yatra crossing the three lakh pilgrim mark within just 12 days, ensuring a smooth, safe and hassle-free experience for devotees remains the administration's foremost priority. He directed the officials to maintain flawless registration procedures, adequate lodging facilities and efficient transportation for all pilgrims visiting the holy cave shrine. Emphasising the need to showcase Jammu's cultural and tourism potential, Sinha instructed the administration to organise sightseeing tours to prominent spiritual and tourist destinations across the Jammu division. He also called for the active promotion of locally produced handicrafts and handloom products among visiting pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor said the objective was to ensure that every devotee returns home carrying memorable experiences along with locally crafted products that reflect Jammu's rich cultural heritage, expressing confidence that collective efforts would make this year's Yatra historic. During the review, Sinha also assessed the deployment of Food Safety Officers at community kitchens, arrangements at reception and lodging centres, on-the-spot registration facilities, transportation management and security measures. He directed officials to optimise manpower deployment to effectively manage the continuous influx of pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor further instructed the administration to closely monitor weather forecasts issued by the Meteorological Department and remain prepared to respond promptly to any adverse weather conditions. Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar informed the meeting that legal action had been initiated against individuals found involved in fraudulent activities related to the pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor directed that strict administrative and legal action be taken against any official found guilty of misconduct. Later, Sinha interacted with pilgrims and extended his wishes for a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling 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 Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Municipal Commissioner Jammu Dr. Devansh Yadav, besides senior officers of the civil administration, police and security forces. ANB