STATE TIMES NEWS
GANDERBAL: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the sacred journey to Shri Amarnathji cave shrine is bringing happiness in people’s lives and giving new wings to local aspirations.
“The Yatra is making significant contribution to tourism, employment generation and revenue”, the Lieutenant Governor said while interacting with the pilgrims, service providers and officials during his visit to the Baltal base camp, adding that human spirit is soaring to great heights, cultural diversity and communal harmony is being strengthened and J&K is emerging as modern and eternal symbol.
During review meeting with the senior officers of the Administration, stakeholder departments, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), police and security forces, he directed for maintaining enthusiasm for excellent service, seamless coordination, effective communication, prompt response to concerns and encourage feedback from pilgrims during the remaining period of Yatra.
“Make sure every possible comfort is provided to pilgrims”, he added.
The Lt Governor took appraisal of the security arrangements, 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 meeting also discussed the installation of fences and CCTV cameras enroute and on critical points; 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 on the yatra arrangements at Baltal axis.
During his visit, the Lt Governor interacted with the delegations comprising representatives of ponywalas, shop owners, tent providers, Langar organizations and NGOs.
He appreciated the dedication and commitment of service providers, NGOs, volunteers and lauded their invaluable contribution in enriching the spiritual tradition of the holy yatra and bringing indescribable joy to pilgrims.
He also invited suggestions from the stakeholders in extending seamless services to devotees of Baba Amarnath Ji.
At the base camp, the Lt Governor visited the eco-friendly, sustainable Langar set up with the efforts of Rural Development Department in collaboration with Swaaha Resource Management.
He also inaugurated Langar installed by CRPF, distributed jute bags and vermi-compost bags to the pilgrim. Jackets sponsored by J&K Bank were also distributed by the Lt Governor among service providers.
Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, SASB; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sujit Kumar Singh, DIG and other senior officers of UT Administration, SASB, Police and Army also accompanied the Lt Governor.