STATE TIMES NEWS

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ to mark the ceremonial commencement of the Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, through video conferencing on Saturday.
The Lt Governor sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health, progress, and well-being of all the people.
Interacting with the media persons, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the Administration and the Shrine Board to bring qualitative improvement in the overall Yatra experience for devotees. “Officials of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and concerned departments are committed to provide better facilities and services for pilgrims. There has been significant enhancement in essential facilities, infrastructure and security. We are taking every possible measure to ensure the yatra is smooth, safe and hassle-free,” the Lt Governor said. He urged all the enlightened citizens to come together to welcome and serve the pilgrims coming from different parts of the country and abroad. “It has been ancient tradition of J&K that people from all communities participate in this Yatra irrespective of their religion,” the Lt Governor said. This year, the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra will start from 29th June, simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; senior officials of SASB, Army and Lt Governor’s Secretariat also attended the Pratham Puja.

Sinha launches Swachh initiatives for Yatra

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched various Swachh initiatives of Directorate of Rural Sanitation for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024, at Raj Bhawan on Saturday.
In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor 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 Lt Governor 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 to natural resources and environment.
“J&K is at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism. For this holy Yatra, we have worked a solution through fusion of technology and human resource,” the Lt Governor said.
Speaking on the new endeavours, the Lt Governor said the logo ‘Shivamsankalpamastu’ symbolises the resolve to make Yatra memorable. A dedicated website shivamsankalpamastu.in and Nandi- the Yatra Saarthi App will be accurate info source 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 Lt Governor called upon the officials and all stakeholders to make dedicated efforts for 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, Shri Amarnathji 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.