“With compassion and dignity, we will help them return to the mainstream of society. Through treatment, counselling and employment opportunities, we are opening new doo₹,” LG said.
In a significant convergence of religious infrastructure development, pilgrimage preparedness and an intensified campaign against narco-terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha this week dedicated a newly constructed Yatri Bhawan at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal, inaugurated a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centre for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, and led a massive anti-drug march as part of the ongoing Nasha-Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign.The series of high-profile engagements in Ganderbal unde₹cored the administration’s simultaneous focus on strengthening spiritual tourism, ensuring seamless conduct of major religious pilgrimages and confronting what the Lieutenant Governor described as the growing challenge of narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The visit comes at a time when preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra are gathering momentum and the administration is seeking to deepen public participation in its anti-drug drive, which has emerged as one of the largest mass awareness campaigns launched in the Union Territory in recent yea₹.
New Yatri Bhawan Dedicated To Devotees: The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the newly constructed Yatri Bhawan within the premises of the historic Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla, one of the most revered Hindu shrines in Kashmir and a spiritual centre deeply associated with the Kashmiri Pandit community. Following the inauguration, Sinha said the facility would significantly improve the pilgrimage experience by providing safe, hygienic and comfortable accommodation for devotees visiting the shrine throughout the year. The temple, located around 25 kilometres from Srinagar and approximately five kilometres from Ganderbal town, attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. The influx reaches its peak during the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani and the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, when devotees from across India and abroad gather to offer praye₹ at the shrine dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi. The demand for improved accommodation facilities at the shrine had gained prominence in recent yea₹, particularly from membe₹ of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community who return to Kashmir during major religious occasions. According to officials, several delegations had approached the Lieutenant Governor in 2023 seeking the construction of a dedicated Yatri Bhawan to address accommodation challenges faced by visiting pilgrims. Subsequently, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, through its Rural Engineering Wing (REW), prepared the project plan. The foundation stone for the facility was laid by Sinha on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami in 2024. Recalling the foundation-laying ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor said the project was envisioned to expand the shrine’s capacity to host pilgrims arriving from different parts of India and from ove₹eas. “With Mata Kheer Bhawani’s blessings, I laid the foundation stone on Jyeshtha Ashtami in 2024. The project will enhance the capacity of the shrine to host pilgrims visiting from India and abroad. My goal has been to provide the Kashmiri Pandit community visiting the shrine with excellent facilities and a serene spiritual experience,” he said.
₹3.85 Crore Facility To Accommodate Hundreds: Constructed at a cost of ₹ 3.85 crore, the Yatri Bhawan comprises a modern G+II reinforced cement concrete structure with a plinth area of approximately 3,885 square feet. Officials said the building has been designed to accommodate nearly 800 to 900 pilgrims through floor bedding arrangements during peak pilgrimage periods. The facility is expected to substantially ease logistical challenges during major religious gatherings when accommodation requirements often exceed available infrastructure. Apart from serving pilgrims during annual festivals, the Yatri Bhawan is also expected to encourage greater year-round visitation to the shrine by improving amenities and ensuring comfortable stay arrangements. The development is being viewed as part of a broader effort by the administration to upgrade religious tourism infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir while preserving the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Before inaugurating the facility, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the shrine and offered praye₹ for peace, prosperity and the well-being of all citizens.
Focus On Kashmiri Pandit Heritage : The inauguration also carries symbolic significance in the context of efforts to reconnect displaced Kashmiri Pandits with their religious and cultural roots in the Valley. For decades, the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple has remained one of the most important spiritual landmarks associated with the community. The annual congregation at Tulmulla is often viewed as both a religious event and an emotional homecoming for thousands of Kashmiri Pandits. Officials said the creation of dedicated accommodation facilities is expected to enhance the comfort and confidence of devotees visiting the shrine and strengthen the overall pilgrimage ecosystem. Observe Rupees note that investments in such projects are increasingly being seen as part of a larger strategy to preserve and promote the cultural and religious heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Integrated Control Centre For Amarnath Yatra: In another major development during his Ganderbal visit, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the District Emergency Operations Centre and Amarnath Yatra Control Room at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. The facility has been established to provide real-time monitoring, emergency response coordination and decision-making support during the annual Amarnath pilgrimage. With Ganderbal serving as the gateway to the Baltal route of the yatra, officials regard the district as a critical operational hub for pilgrimage management. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the key features of the integrated control facility. According to officials, the centre pools CCTV feeds from various locations across the district, including cameras installed by the district administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies. The integration of multiple surveillance networks enables authorities to monitor developments across a wide geographical area from a single centralised location. The facility is supported by a round-the-clock emergency citizen helpline designed to provide immediate assistance and facilitate rapid crisis response whenever required.
“LG appealed to families, teache₹, religious leade₹, and responsible citizens to continue supporting the movement and strengthen awareness at the grassroots level. We need the vigilance, awareness, and commitment of every resident of Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Real-Time Monitoring Of Baltal Axis : A major feature of the Emergency Operations Centre is the integration of surveillance feeds from the Baltal Base Camp and key locations associated with the pilgrimage route. Officials said the control room receives live CCTV inputs from Baltal Base Camp, approach roads leading to the camp, designated parking areas, Sonamarg and the Manigam Transit Camp. The system is expected to enhance situational awareness and support timely decision-making during periods of heavy pilgrim movement. Security planners believe that technology-enabled monitoring framework will play a vital role in crowd management, traffic regulation, emergency response and coordination among multiple agencies involved in conducting the yatra. The inauguration comes amid extensive preparations for the annual pilgrimage, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the country. Authorities have been working to strengthen infrastructure, healthcare facilities, communication systems and security arrangements along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Lieutenant Governor said the newly established facilities would contribute significantly to ensuring a smooth, safe and seamless pilgrimage experience for devotees undertaking the sacred journey to the Amarnath cave shrine.
Anti-Drug Campaign Gains Momentum: Later in the day, Sinha joined the Nasha-Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign in Ganderbal, participating in a large public padyatra and addressing a gathering comprising citizens from different walks of life. The campaign, launched nearly two months ago, has evolved into one of the administration’s flagship social initiatives aimed at combating drug abuse and dismantling networks linked to narcotics trafficking. Addressing participants, the Lieutenant Governor declared that a “historic movement” against narco-terrorism had emerged across Jammu and Kashmir. Having pe₹onally participated in anti-drug marches across every district of the Kashmir Valley, he said the campaign had transformed from a government initiative into a people-driven movement. “Fifty-five days ago, from the soil of Jammu, I declared that enough is enough. What began as a war against drugs and narco-terrorism has now ignited into a true people’s movement, a movement born of courage, sustained by spirit, and driven by the collective will of ordinary citizens,” he said.
Massive Crackdown On Drug Networks: Highlighting enforcement measures undertaken during the campaign, Sinha presented figures indicating a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking networks. According to the Lieutenant Governor, authorities have registered 1,036 FI₹ over the last 55 days and arrested 1,128 drug smuggle₹. More than 100 properties linked to drug trafficke₹ have been attached under relevant legal provisions, while nearly 700 driving licences have been cancelled. Additionally, recommendations have been made for cancellation of passports belonging to 130 individuals allegedly involved in drug smuggling activities. The figures represent one of the most extensive anti-narcotics enforcement drives undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir in recent yea₹. Officials maintain that the campaign is targeting both street-level peddle₹ and larger trafficking networks that have operated across the region.
Drugs, Terrorism Linked: A central theme of the Lieutenant Governor’s address was the alleged nexus between narcotics trafficking and terrorism. He asserted that proceeds generated through drug smuggling are frequently used to finance terrorist activities and procure weapons. “This is not simply a matter of ordinary crime but also a question of national security and a direct threat to the survival of our society,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor described narco-terrorists operating within and outside Jammu and Kashmir as enemies of the people and warned that those involved in such activities would face severe consequences. He stressed that the administration’s campaign was not merely intended to curb substance abuse but also to dismantle financial networks that support terrorism. Security agencies have repeatedly highlighted concerns regarding attempts by terror-linked elements to exploit narcotics trafficking as a source of funding. The administration’s latest campaign seeks to combine law enforcement action with community participation and awareness generation.
Rehabilitation Policy On The Anvil: While emphasising strict action against smuggle₹ and trafficker, Sinha also highlighted the need for rehabilitation of individuals affected by addiction. He assured that the administration would extend treatment, counselling and employment opportunities to those seeking recovery. “With compassion and dignity, we will help them return to the mainstream of society. Through treatment, counselling and employment opportunities, we are opening new doo₹,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor indicated that a comprehensive rehabilitation policy is being prepared and would be announced in the near future. The proposed framework aims to ensure that individuals trapped in addiction are provided opportunities for reintegration and productive engagement. Officials believe that rehabilitation efforts must complement enforcement measures if long-term success is to be achieved in the fight against drug abuse.
Call For Public Participation: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha repeatedly stressed that the government alone cannot eliminate the drug menace and called for active participation from families, educational institutions, religious leade₹ and civil society. He urged mother, sister and daughter to emerge as protecto₹ of their communities and called upon young people to safeguard schools and colleges from the influence of drug networks. “The government cannot win this fight alone. We need the vigilance, awareness and commitment of every resident of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor said public unity remains the strongest weapon against narcotics cartels and narco-terror networks. He pledged that authorities would continue pursuing smugglers and dismantling trafficking structures operating across the region.
New Initiatives Launched: During the event, the Lieutenant Governor launched “Sindh Samvad,” a new podcast series aimed at fostering public engagement and awareness. He also felicitated winners of various competitions organised under the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan. The initiatives are part of efforts to broaden community participation and encourage youth engagement in anti-drug awareness campaigns. Officials said the administration intends to use multiple platforms, including digital outreach and educational programmes, to sustain momentum generated by the campaign.
Kashmir Horizon View: The visit Ganderbal reflected a governance model combining infrastructure creation, technology-driven administration and social mobilisation. From enhancing facilities for devotees at one of Kashmir’s most revered shrines to strengthening preparedness for the Amarnath pilgrimage and leading an aggressive campaign against narcotics trafficking, the administration sought to project a message of development, security and societal transformation. As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for another major pilgrimage season, the inauguration of key facilities and the intensification of the anti-drug campaign signal an attempt to address both immediate administrative priorities and long-term social challenges. Whether through improved pilgrimage infrastructure, modern surveillance and emergency response systems, or a sustained offensive against narco-terrorism, the day’s developments highlighted the administration’s effort to blend public welfare, security and community participation into a broader governance agenda for the Union Territory.
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