Associated News Bureau

LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Shri Amarnath Yatra Arrangements at Nunwan, Says Over 3.5 Lakh Pilgrims Complete Darshan in 15 Days

Srinagar, July 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday visited the Nunwan Base Camp to review arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and directed all departments to function in mission mode to ensure the safety, welfare and convenience of pilgrims. Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior civil, police and Shrine Board officials, the Lieutenant Governor assessed the availability of essential services, including drinking water, electricity, telecom connectivity, accommodation, food, healthcare, emergency response and security. He also inspected the Yatra Registration Counter and reviewed the registration process. Addressing officials, the Lieutenant Governor said that more than 3.50 lakh pilgrims had performed darshan of Baba Amarnath during the first 15 days of the pilgrimage, describing the smooth conduct of the Yatra as a result of coordinated efforts by all stakeholders and the active participation of local residents and service providers. He directed departments to intensify efforts to ensure uninterrupted services for pilgrims and emphasized the need to protect the fragile Himalayan environment. He called for special cleanliness drives along both Yatra routes and at all camps, reiterating the administration's commitment to a waste-free pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor instructed officials to obtain regular feedback from pilgrims and ensure prompt resolution of grievances. He also directed that all services provided during the Yatra strictly follow a 100 percent prepaid system to maintain transparency and prevent overcharging. In view of forecasts predicting heavy rainfall over the coming days, the Lieutenant Governor instructed the administration and all stakeholder agencies to strengthen contingency measures and remain fully prepared to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims. He further directed that every tent at the base camp be equipped with a mandatory fire extinguisher. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with pilgrims, who expressed satisfaction over the arrangements, particularly the cleanliness, sanitation, accommodation, security and medical facilities. He said that the expansion of infrastructure and pilgrim amenities in recent years had received positive feedback and stressed the need to ensure seamless access to these facilities for every devotee. The Lieutenant Governor also met shopkeepers, service providers, langar sevadars and volunteers, appreciating their contribution towards the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Speaking to mediapersons, Manoj Sinha said the coordinated efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Police, Army, security forces, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and other stakeholders had significantly enhanced this year's Yatra arrangements. He noted that the pilgrimage was also contributing to the local economy, with many devotees purchasing locally produced handloom and handicraft products following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to support local artisans. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the 2026 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra would be remembered as a safe, well-managed and historic pilgrimage. The visit was attended by senior officials of the civil administration, police, security forces and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, including IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure Ashok and other senior officers.