Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the congregation of Amarnath Pilgrims here to come from across the country seeking divine wisdom and celebrating oldest spiritual traditions of India.
“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”, Lt. Governor said during his visit to Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Base camp at Baltal in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district where he also reviewed the arrangements made for the sacred pilgrimage on Sunday.
At the Baltal 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 Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage,” the Lt Governor said after interacting with the devotees.
“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,” 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, he 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.
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.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of his visit, Lt Governor said the auspicious occasion of the holy Yatra and the warm hospitality of the citizens have ensured an unprecedented increase in the tourism influx in Jammu and Kashmir 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”, he said.
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 added.
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.
UNI
