Jammu, Jul 1: Jammu, the City of Temples remained abuzz on Amarnath Yatra eve on Wednesday with devotional fervour amidst the arrival of thousands of Amarnath pilgrims at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas ahead of the flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday morning.
The 57-day pilgrimage will commence from the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 3 and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
Ahead of the ceremonial flag-off, Sinha on Wednesday visited the Bhagwati Nagar base camp to review the arrangements made for the pilgrims. He inspected lodging facilities, logistics, security, healthcare, sanitation, help desks, power and water supply, emergency response systems and other essential services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to strengthen manpower deployment to efficiently manage the anticipated rush of devotees. He also instructed authorities to make regular public announcements at Bhagwati Nagar and the Tawi Riverfront so that pilgrims receive timely information and guidance.
The Lieutenant Governor took appraisal of logistics, lodging, security arrangements, health facilities, help desks, sanitation, power and water supply, emergency and other essential services and facilities, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for the devotees.
The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the devotees of Baba Barfani and wished them a safe, peaceful and blessed pilgrimage. He extended his best wishes and prayed for a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
The first batch of pilgrims will leave Bhagwati Nagar under a multi-layer security arrangement on Thursday. Authorities said only registered pilgrims with valid RFID cards and completed e-KYC formalities will be allowed to enter the Yatri Niwas before joining the convoy.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Nalin Prabhat, DGP; S.J.M.Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Amol V Homkar, IGP CRPF Jammu Sector; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Dr. Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu and senior officials from civil administration, police and security forces.
Meanwhile, offline registration process at the Tawi Riverfront Centre continued smoothly on Wednesday.
Officials said tokens were distributed for both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, and all pilgrims issued tokens and completing registration would join the first convoy on Thursday morning.
Preparations for the annual pilgrimage in Jammu stand completed, with comprehensive arrangements for registration, accommodation, transportation, medical care, sanitation and security.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar said extensive facilities have been put in place across all five districts of the Jammu division falling along the Yatra route. These include on-the-spot registration, RFID and e-KYC centres, accommodation, langar facilities, medical rooms, sanitation, uninterrupted power and water supply, and robust security arrangements.
He said pilgrims who have registered online can collect their RFID cards at Lakhanpur, Chichi Mata Temple in Samba, Jammu Railway Station, Tawi Riverfront and Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas. Pilgrims have been advised to complete e-KYC and collect RFID tags before entering the Bhagwati Nagar base camp by 10 pm a day before their departure.
The Divisional Commissioner said accommodation for nearly 55,000 pilgrims has been arranged across Jammu Division, while more than 2,100 toilets have been installed at accommodation centres, transit camps, Yatri Niwas facilities and along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
He urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to the cut-off timings and guidelines issued by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and district administrations to ensure a safe and convenient pilgrimage.
To facilitate pilgrims and tourists, the Tourism Department has introduced dedicated air-conditioned buses on four routes covering attractions such as Suchetgarh Border, Gharana Wetland, Akhnoor Fort, Raghunath Bazaar, Bahu Fort and Mahamaya Temple. The Transport Department has also notified fixed fares for autos, e-rickshaws and taxis to prevent overcharging.
Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti said elaborate security arrangements have been put in place along the entire 260-km Yatra route, including transit camps and langar sites. He advised pilgrims to rely only on the official Shri Amarnath Shrine Board platform for registration-related information.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas said the district administration remains committed to ensuring a safe, smooth and convenient pilgrimage. He informed that 18 counters have been established for transparent token distribution and registration, while additional centres at Gita Bhawan, Mahajan Hall, Shri Ram Mandir Purani Mandi and Jammu Railway Station will continue to function as before.
He also appealed to the people of Jammu to extend their traditional hospitality to the visiting pilgrims and encouraged tourists to explore the city’s religious and heritage destinations during their stay.
Meanwhile, the first groups of pilgrims entering the Union Territory through Lakhanpur in Kathua and Tapyal in Samba received a warm traditional welcome from the respective district administrations before proceeding to the Bhagwati Nagar base camp under security arrangements.
Traffic authorities have also issued an advisory regulating movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Heavy Motor Vehicles will not be allowed to ply from Qazigund towards Jammu and from Jakheni in Udhampur towards Srinagar after 7 pm on July 1, while Light Motor Vehicles will be permitted until 11 pm. (KNO)
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