Srinagar- As the annual Amarnath Yatra 2024 is set to begin on June 29, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday appealed to the people of all faiths to continue their age-old custom of supporting the religious journey and providing care for devotees this year as well.
The J&K administration, LG said, besides putting in place heightened security arrangements to ensure a peaceful Yatra, has improved facilities for the pilgrims’ en-route cave shrine.
In an effort to make the Yatra more comfortable this year, Sinha said, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has also expanded the route leading to the cave shrine.
Jammu Additional Director General of Police Anand Jain has reviewed security arrangements along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, emphasising the need for the highest level of alertness to scuttle any attempt by terrorists to disrupt the pilgrimage, officials said on Saturday.
Taking part in the virtual ‘Pratham Puja’ of the Amarnath Yatra at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar on Saturday morning, Sinha said, “Darshan for the pilgrims across the country will begin from June 29. The (Shri Amarnath) Shrine Board and the J&K administration have made special arrangements for the pilgrims. In the last two years, the facilities for the yatris have improved a lot.”
Sinha said devotees in large numbers across India are expected to arrive in Kashmir to participate in the yatra.
In order to promote a positive image of Jammu and Kashmir in India and abroad, the LG encouraged the residents of the areas through which the Yatra passes to support the religious pilgrimage and provide care to the pilgrims.
“Yatra may succeed when everyone contributes equally. I hope the J&K people will continue their long-standing tradition of contributing to the annual Hindu pilgrimage this year as well, as they have done in the past, believing it to be their own ritual,” he added.
When asked whether the route leading to the cave shrine has been widened, Sinha said, “the BRO has also widened a few portions where they couldn’t reach earlier. I hope this year’s Yatra will go considerably more smoothly.”
The 52-day pilgrimage will begin from the two tracks — the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal — on June 29, a day after the first batch of pilgrims will leave Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the valley.
Over 4.5 lakh pilgrims performed the pilgrimage last year and offered their prayers at the naturally formed ice-shivlingam inside the cave shrine.
ADGP, Jammu on Friday conducted an extensive review of the security arrangements on the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway for the upcoming yatra, a police spokesperson said.
He was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range, Shridhar Patil, Jammu DIG (Traffic) Dr Haseeb Mughal, Ramban Senior Superintendent of Police Anuj Kumar, SSP (Traffic National Highway) Rohit Baskotra.
ADGP Jain inspected the security measures implemented on the highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, especially at community kitchens, lodgement centres and checking spots at key locations.
Highlighting the potential threats from anti-national elements aiming to disrupt the yatra, Jain underscored the necessity of foolproof security and emphasised the need for the highest level of alertness.
He urged the officers to keep a close watch on any suspicious activity and maintain round-the-clock vigilance, the spokesman said.
Jain also stressed the importance of a coordinated and people-friendly approach to ensure the comfort and security of pilgrims.
The ADGP also gave instructions to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel to remain extra vigilant and responsive to any emergencies, ensuring prompt rescue operations in case of any unexpected mishaps due to natural or man-made calamities.
During the inspection, Jain checked the functioning of CCTV cameras, the communication network, and transport arrangements of security forces, the spokesperson said.
“J&K At Forefront Of Promoting Sustainable Tourism”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday launched various Swachh initiatives of the Directorate of Rural Sanitation for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2024, at Raj Bhawan.
In his address on the occasion, the LG commended the Directorate of Rural Sanitation. He said the new logo, Swachh Yatra Anthem, Website and mobile application will greatly benefit our objective of Zero-Waste Pilgrimage.
The LG highlighted the integrated strategy of the UT Administration and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board aimed at Zero-waste, clean and efficient sanitation system and complete protection of natural resources and the environment.
“J&K is at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism. For this holy Yatra, we have worked a solution through the fusion of technology and human resources,” the LG said.
Speaking on the new endeavours, the LG said the logo symbolises the resolve to make Yatra memorable. A dedicated website shivamsankalpamastu.in and Nandi- the Yatra Saarthi App will be accurate info sources related to Yatra and sanitation, he added.
He also lauded the initiatives aimed at creating awareness among the pilgrims and all the stakeholders. He said the anthem ‘Chal Amarnath’ symbolises the convergence of spirituality, natural heritage and ecology.
The LG called upon the officials and all stakeholders to make dedicated efforts for the installation of all the requisite facilities in view of the annual Yatra, on priority.
He emphasized on sensitization of sanitation workers on cleanliness and hygiene. We need to pay special attention towards environment-friendly disposal of solid waste and piped water and power connection, lighting, and availability of necessary facilities at all toilets, he said.
Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Amarnath Shrine Board; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department; Anoo Malhotra, Director General, Rural Sanitation, and other senior officials attended the launch ceremony.
Yatra Security Our Top Priority: CS
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said Saturday the security of the Amarnath Yatra is a top priority of the administration, as he chaired a meeting to review arrangements at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here.
Accompanied by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Jammu zone, Anand Jain, Dulloo went around the heavily guarded base camp to inspect the arrangements ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
The 52-day pilgrimage will commence via the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-kilometre shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal on June 29.
“The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from here (Bhagwati Nagar) on June 28 and the yatra will start (in Kashmir) the next day. We have come to oversee the arrangements and had a meeting with officers of various departments concerned,” the chief secretary told reporters at the base camp.
“Almost all arrangements are in place and we are working to ensure better facilities for pilgrims to make their stay comfortable,” he added.
Dulloo said there has been a manifold increase in the capacity of lodgment centres and other facilities for pilgrims and the pilgrimage will be monitored.
“Adequate security measures are being put in place. Whatever has to be done will be done as yatra security is our top priority,” he said.
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