Yatra Arrangements Upgraded For Safer, Greener Pilgrimage: LG

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the arrangements made for this year's Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra are significantly better than in previous years, both in terms of security and facilities for pilgrims.

Reviewing the preparedness at the Baltal Base Camp in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district ahead of the Yatra's commencement on July 3, LG Sinha lauded the coordinated efforts of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), civil administration, J&K Police, security forces, and various departments in ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage.

“I have closely observed the last four pilgrimages and I can confidently say that this year, the level of arrangements and preparedness by the administration is far superior,” LG Sinha told the media after an on-ground inspection and a high-level review meeting.

He added,“Significant upgradation has been done to the overall Yatra arrangements. Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, administration, J&K Police, security forces, service providers, and all stakeholders have diligently implemented pilgrim-centric measures to ensure the pilgrimage is peaceful, safe, and hassle-free for devotees.”

At Baltal, the LG interacted with camp officials and took stock of arrangements related to healthcare, power supply, communication, water, sanitation, food, lodging, weather forecasting, traffic management, track maintenance, surveillance, and emergency response systems.

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The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure round-the-clock availability of all basic amenities with sufficient manpower to assist pilgrims.

He also inspected the Disaster Management Centre and the Yatri Niwas Complex under development by the Shrine Board. Later, he visited the Baltal hospital, reviewed the healthcare facilities available for yatris, and inaugurated a dedicated training ward for medical staff.

Chairing a high-level meeting during the visit, LG Sinha reviewed inter-agency coordination and preparedness plans. He expressed satisfaction over the seamless cooperation between civil and security agencies and hoped that this year's Yatra would be“smoother and more successful than ever before.”

“I'm confident that pilgrims coming from across the country will return with a memorable experience,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by senior officials including K.N. Rai, Member SASB; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO SASB and Principal Secretary to LG; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; IGP Kashmir Shri V.K. Birdi; Secretary Science & Technology Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shri Jatin Kishore; and top officials from police, security forces, and stakeholder departments.

Trinetra App, Green Yatra Guidelines, Mascots Launched

LG Sinha, during his visit to Baltal on Monday, launched a comprehensive IEC (Information, Education & Communication) campaign and various innovative initiatives of Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, for a sustainable and Zero-Waste pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji.

The initiatives include Yatra Logo, Yatra Anthem, campaign website and MIS portal, Trinetra App, Pamphlet & Yatra Guidelines, Yatra Mascots and IEC toolkit aimed to promote sustainable practices, address sanitation issues, share verified information, and engage Yatris through feedback along the Baltal and Pahalgam axis, with the goal of achieving a Zero Landfill Yatra.
The campaign website and an MIS portal will serve as the central hub for all information, updates, and resources, while the browser-based mobile application will provide real-time information and support to the Pilgrims.
Pamphlet & Yatra Guidelines, designed for Langar organizers, shopkeepers, and service providers along the Yatra route are focused on ensuring waste minimization, discourage single-use plastics, and implement SBM-G norms.
Trinetra App will significantly enhance the pilgrim experience through sanitation facilities, safety alerts and making them aware of the values of cleanliness during their pilgrimage.
Ms. Anoo Malhotra, Director General, Rural Sanitation briefed the Lieutenant Governor on dedicated measures taken by the department to make the yatra more sustainable.
It was informed that the Department has installed a total of 5613 toilets / bathing units, on both the axis, of which 2920 are on the Pahalgam axis and 2693 are on the Baltal axis. Further, 7361 sanitation workers are deployed to ensure cleanliness of these sanitation units. The department has also established 15 Processing Facilities for Solid Waste Management on both the axis.

SASB's Yatri Niwas At Pantha Chowk

Sinha also inaugurated the Yatri Niwas of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar and dedicated the new facility to the pilgrims. The Yatri Niwas has been built through donation and it will accommodate 1300 pilgrims.
“This Yatri Niwas is a symbol of our dedication and commitment to provide better facilities for devotees of Baba Barfani and make their pilgrimage more comfortable and safer.
The construction of the second phase of Yatri Niwas will begin soon. It symbolises devotion to selfless service. Let us pray to Baba Amarnath to bless our land with peace, happiness and prosperity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG expressed his gratitude to Shri Mukesh Garg, Member, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, his team members and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board for their invaluable contribution in building the Yatri Niwas for the pilgrims.
Interacting with the media persons, Sinha said that the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board is making continuous efforts to improve facilities for the pilgrims.
“A wave of enthusiasm is sweeping across Jammu and Kashmir. This Yatra is deeply rooted in the spirit of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing full support and cooperation from its people,” he said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also unveiled a painting on Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, by Shri KK Gandhi.
The Five floors of the Yatri Niwas building dedicated to the Yatris are comprised of total 75 rooms having a bed capacity of 225, and 43 dorm rooms.
N and Shri Mukesh Garg – Members of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO SASB; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; senior officials of SASB, Police and Civil Administration were present at the inaugural ceremony.

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