Associated News Bureau

LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Amarnath Yatra Arrangements, Calls for Seamless Pilgrim Services and Strict Vigilance

Srinagar, July 9: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday reviewed the arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 during his visit to the Yatra Transit Camp and Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar, directing officials to ensure comprehensive round-the-clock care and hassle-free facilities for all pilgrims. Interacting with officials and devotees, the Lieutenant Governor assessed the quality of services being provided and stressed that no pilgrim should face inconvenience at any stage of the pilgrimage. “From registration to accommodation and food, no pilgrim should face any inconvenience. It must be our collective responsibility to make their stay in Jammu and Kashmir divine and comfortable,” Sinha told the officials. During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor reviewed arrangements related to accommodation, sanitation, security, healthcare, drinking water, power supply, fire safety and other essential services put in place by various departments to ensure the comfort and safety of the yatris. Highlighting the growing response to the annual pilgrimage, Sinha said the number of devotees participating in this year’s Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has surpassed last year’s figures during the first week of the pilgrimage. “The increased footfall is not only a testament to our rich spiritual heritage but also a positive indicator for tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, providing fresh impetus to the local economy,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized the promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional handicrafts and handloom products, expressing the hope that every pilgrim would carry home a piece of the region’s unique cultural heritage. “I want the rich handicrafts and handloom products of Jammu and Kashmir to reach every corner of the country and find a place in every devotee’s home. This will honour our artisans and strengthen the spirit of the One District One Product campaign by bringing together faith, culture and prosperity,” he said. Commending the coordinated efforts of the District Administration, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Police, security forces and various line departments, Sinha underscored the importance of sustained coordination, effective crowd management, seamless registration and timely dissemination of information to pilgrims throughout the yatra. He also directed officials to initiate strict legal action against individuals found involved in fraudulent registration practices. The visit was attended by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board CEO Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Inspector General of Police Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Pandey, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Municipal Commissioner Srinagar Faz Lul Haseeb and other senior officers. ANB