Srinagar, July 10 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said more than 1.70 lakh pilgrims have undertaken the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in the first eight days, while asserting that the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and security agencies are working in close coordination to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Baltal Base Camp, as per news agency JKNS, LG Sinha said all departments of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, J&K Police, Army, CAPFs and other stakeholders have made every effort to ensure the annual pilgrimage remains secure and hassle-free.
He said the administration has witnessed a significant increase in the number of pilgrims arriving without prior registration compared to last year but has been able to facilitate them in an orderly and peaceful manner.
“We are making every possible effort to provide a pleasant experience to every devotee. I hope pilgrims from across the country will continue to have a fulfilling and memorable spiritual journey,” Sinha said.
Highlighting the economic significance of the pilgrimage, the Lieutenant Governor said the Amarnath Yatra contributes substantially to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said local shopkeepers, hotel owners, transport operators and people associated with tents, ponies and other pilgrimage-related services earn their livelihood through the annual Yatra.
Sinha said he personally inspected the tent facilities at Baltal and found the arrangements satisfactory.
He said special emphasis has been laid on safety, with fire extinguishers installed in all tents, while officials are continuously monitoring facilities to ensure the comfort of pilgrims.
The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed healthcare facilities and said two dedicated hospitals, one each at Baltal and Chandanwari, have been functioning for the past three years.
According to the medical teams, around 1,300 to 1,400 patients are being treated daily for minor ailments such as mountain sickness and vomiting, he said, adding that the hospitals have greatly strengthened healthcare support for both pilgrims and officials deployed on Yatra duty.
Advising devotees, Sinha urged them to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and the administration.
He said the entire administration is available to assist pilgrims and advised them to immediately contact the Camp Director or security personnel if they face any difficulty during the pilgrimage.
The Lieutenant Governor also cautioned devotees against misleading elements and overcharging.
He said rates for all services have been fixed and any person demanding more than the prescribed charges should be reported to the Camp Director or the police for immediate action.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, Sinha said he reviewed the arrangements at the Baltal Base Camp along with senior officials and directed all departments to ensure that the comfort of pilgrims remains the highest priority.
He said every aspect of the pilgrimage—from registration and accommodation to movement and darshan—must remain seamless and free from obstacles.
“The Shrine Board and every department involved are united in their dedication to making this spiritual journey a safe, seamless and deeply memorable experience for all,” the Lieutenant Governor wrote. (JKNS)
