Baltal, July 10: Over 2 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine during the first eight days of the annual pilgrimage, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday.
In a post on X, Lt Governor Sinha said in a remarkable testament to faith, the Amarnath Yatra has crossed the 2 lakh pilgrim mark in just 8 days.
"With the pilgrimage running smoothly on both the routes, the spiritual celebration is set to welcome a steady arrival of devotees in the coming weeks," he said.
Earlier, speaking to media persons after reviewing arrangements of pilgrims at Baltal base camp, Sinha said J&K administration, Police, Army, Security Forces, Shrine Board, and all other stakeholders have worked in complete synergy to ensure that the pilgrimage is hassle-free.
“Compared to previous years, a significant number of pilgrims arrived without prior registration. We have successfully facilitated their journey through the necessary protocols, ensuring a smooth process. Every effort is being made to ensure that all pilgrims return home with a positive experience. I am confident that in the coming days, devotees arriving from every corner of the country will carry back fond memories of their pilgrimage,” Sinha said.
He said 100-bed hospitals, located at Baltal and Chandanwari, have been fully operational, handling an average of 1,300 to 1,400 OPD patients daily. “These hospitals are playing a critical role in safeguarding the health of both the pilgrims and the dedicated personnel deployed along the routes.”
Sinha appealed to all pilgrims to strictly adhere to the guidelines established by the administration and the Shrine Board. “The entire administrative machinery is working round-the-clock to assist you. In case of any inconvenience, please immediately inform the nearest Camp Director or deployed security personnel, and all possible assistance will be provided on priority”.
The 38-day annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on July 3 from the twin routes of the traditional 48-km Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district amid multi-layered security arrangements.
The yatra will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.