Visits Baltal Base Camp, reviews arrangements
STATE TIMES NEWS
BALTAL: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the auspicious Amarnathji Yatra and the warm hospitality of the citizens have ensured unprecedented increase in the tourism influx in the Union Territory this year.
“I believe the pilgrims coming for the sacred pilgrimage will return to their respective states as the Brand Ambassadors of new and aspiring Jammu Kashmir”, the Lt Governor said while speaking to media persons at the sidelines of his extensive visit to Baltal-the base camp of the Yatra-to review the arrangements made for the sacred Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage.
Third batch of 4,903 pilgrims leave for Kashmir
Jammu: A fresh batch of 4,903 pilgrims left the base camp here on Sunday to join the annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre high cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said.
With this, a total of 12,807 pilgrims have so far undertaken the pilgrimage since June 30 when Lt Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch.
Over 8,000 pilgrims offered prayers at the shrine on the first day of the 62-day yatra which commenced from both the twin tracks – the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steep 14-km-long Baltal route in Ganderbal district on Saturday. The officials said 2,557 devotees, including 379 women and 226 sadhus, left in 104 vehicles for Pahalgam, while 2,346 pilgrims left in a convoy of 131 vehicles for the Baltal base camp early today.
More than 3.5 lakh people have registered themselves online for the pilgrimage so far.
Appreciating the collective efforts of stakeholder departments, BRO, Police and security forces, the Lt Governor said the widening of track, installation of safety railings at vulnerable stretches and elaborate security arrangements will ensure the safe and hassle-free pilgrimage of the devotees.
“We have increased the holding areas and have sufficient holding capacity in case of inclement weather condition”, he said and also shared the details of the extensive arrangements made for healthcare of pilgrims.
Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) is fully implemented for pilgrims. We have laid special focus on sanitation and cleanliness. Sufficient number of emergency responders from NDRF and SDRF has been deployed, he added.
At the base camp, the Lt Governor interacted with the officers of Civil Administration, J&K Police, Central Armed Police Forces and all other stakeholders involved in ensuring best of arrangements for devotees.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra holds great relevance in our tradition and it is a symbol of peace, harmony and inclusive growth. I could feel the ecstatic joy of pilgrims at Baltal, who were getting ready for the pilgrimage,” the Lt Governor said after interacting with the devotees.
He said, “The congregation of seekers and keepers of divine wisdom from across the country are here to celebrate one of the oldest spiritual traditions of India.”
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is as much about sharing new ideas, reforms in different states as it is about search for the supreme truth and spiritual strength. Each step towards the holy cave is eternal contentment, human bonding and source of inspiration for the entire society,” the Lt Governor added.
Yatra also reflects unity in diversity in this enchanted land and people from different faith, sects contribute to make it a smooth and enjoyable journey for the seekers. It sows the seed of bliss and creates the path for inner transformation, promotion of cultural ethos, the Lt Governor observed.
During his visit, the Lt Governor took stock of amenities including healthcare, sanitation, communication, lodging and Langar facilities and the day-wise status of the Yatris arriving at the Base Camp.
The Lt Governor directed the officials to deploy adequate men, machinery and measures of road safety from Sonamarg to Baltal route.
The Lt Governor also reviewed the operations of DRDO Hospital and the Joint Police Control Room established at Baltal.
Dr Raghav Langer, Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring Department briefed the Lt Governor on deployment of officers, Traffic management, operations of the heli services installation of tents, sanitation, power and water supply and Rapid Assessment System for feedback.
Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal and other senior officers of District Administration, SASB, Police and Army accompanied the Lt Governor.