Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Jun 11: Assuring pilgrims that fool proof security arrangements have been put in place for the forthcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday urged pilgrims to visit the cave shrine in large numbers.
Lt Governor Sinha, performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the cave shrine, nestled in Himalayas marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual yatra this year.
“The Pratham Puja was concluded. I request the devotees to come in large numbers for the yatra which will start on July 3 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 9,” LG Sinha said. “I urge all the devotees of Baba Barfani to visit in large numbers for the Holy Yatra and pray to Mahadev for progress of J&K and the nation.”
He said, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and Administration have improved the pilgrims facilities and Jammu Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements.
“J&K Administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Army, BRO, CAPFs, J&K Police and all stakeholders are working with complete devotion, dedication, collaboration and clear objectives for hassle-free and safe pilgrimage starting from 3rd July,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He lauded the invaluable contributions of people of J&K, Civil Society groups and all service providers. “I have full faith that significant improvements to essential facilities and services will ensure this year’s pilgrimage is memorable and spiritually fulfilling for all devotees. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,” the Lt Governor, wrote on ‘X’ later.
Pertinently, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has been organising Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima every year.
This year, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence on 3rd July, simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district and it will culminate on 9th August, 2025 on Raksha Bandhan.
GoC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board Member, KN Rai; Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board CEO and Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; IGP Kashmir, V K Birdi and other senior officials were also present at the holy cave.
The Lt Governor also conducted the on-site inspection of the Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Baltal axis in Ganderbal.
The Lieutenant Governor ascertained the progress of the work being carried out at the site, and directed the officials for timely completion of the infrastructure projects being developed to enhance facilities for pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
At Domail, the Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the members of the taskforce and staff of BRO engaged in improving and maintaining the yatra track.
The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the arrangements in place for medical and healthcare at the Baltal Base Camp Hospital.
He interacted with the officials and directed them to ensure the availability of adequate numbers of doctors, paramedical staff and healthcare professionals, medical equipment, medicines, oxygen cylinders and round the clock healthcare service for the well-being of the pilgrims.
