Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Base Camp at Baltal, today.
At the base camp, he interacted with pilgrims, service providers and officials, and reviewed all arrangements related to the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is making significant contribution to tourism, employment generation and revenue. Human spirit soaring to great heights, cultural diversity, communal harmony is being strengthened and J&K is emerging as a symbol of modern and eternal,” he said.
"This sacred journey is bringing happiness in people's lives and giving new wings to local aspirations," he added.
During the review meeting with senior officers, stakeholder departments and security forces, Sinha directed them to maintain enthusiasm for excellent service, seamless coordination, effective communication, prompt response to concerns and encourage pilgrims to give feedback.
"Make sure every possible comfort is provided to the pilgrims," he told them.
He also took stock of security arrangements, the heli operations, and facilities like accommodation, food, connectivity, transportation, power and water supply, sanitation, health, availability of fire tenders, parking facilities, awareness and IEC programmes for the yatris.
The review meeting also focussed on the need for installation of fences and CCTV cameras on critical points along the yatra route; regular checking of food quality through mobile testing vans and the preparedness of departments, police, security forces, health and disaster response teams in view of the weather exigencies.
Dr. Raghav Langar, Secretary (Planning Development & Monitoring Department) and Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner (Ganderbal) apprised the Lt Governor about yatra arrangements on the Baltal axis.
During his visit, Sinha also interacted with delegations comprised of representatives of pony walas, shopowners, tent providers, langar (community kitchen) organisations and NGOs. He appreciated their dedication and commitment to service and lauded their invaluable contribution in enriching the annual spiritual tradition, bringing indescribable joy to the pilgrims.
He also invited suggestions from stakeholders in extending seamless services to devotees of Baba Amarnath Ji.
At the base camp, he visited the eco-friendly and sustainable langar set up with the efforts of the Department of Rural Development in collaboration with Swaaha Resource Management.
He also inaugurated the langar installed by the CRPF, distributed jute bags and vermi-compost bags to the pilgrims. Jackets sponsored by J&K Bank were also distributed by the Lt Governor among service providers.
Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Vijay Kumar, ADGP (Kashmir); Sujit Kumar Singh, DIG (Kashmir) and other senior officers of the UT administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, police and the army also accompanied the Lt Governor.