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Committed to ensure secure Amarnath Yatra: LG Sinha

Srinagar, June 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that security measures have been strengthened to ensure the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra this year. SInha acknowledged dip in the registration of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims post the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April this year. Addressing media persons at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar, Sinha said that registration dropped by around 10 percent, but maintained that ìthe numbers are now rising again.î ìPublic confidence is returning, and I am hopeful it will continue to grow. Before the attack, 2.36 lakh pilgrims had already registered for the Yatra,î he said. Given the prevailing security scenario, LG asked all the pilgrims, including those traveling in private vehicles, to travel only with the security convoy from Jammu to the base camps. LG said that due to security and logistical reasons, the helicopter services will not be available for Yatra Pilgrims this year. Notably, Amarnath Yatra-2025 is scheduled to commence from July 3 for 52 days and will conclude on August 24 of 2025. LG appealed to the devotees to turn up in large numbers at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SAJY), saying that the security grid has been strengthened as multi-layer security was put in place. ìArmy, CAPFs, J&K Police have ensured all necessary measures for a safe pilgrimage, Security grid has been strengthened for safe pilgrimage,î LG Manoj Sinha said. He said that all the necessary arrangements have been made for the pilgrims coming for the SAJY and for hassle-free Darshan at the holy cave. ìShri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has made preparations for all essential facilities including movement, lodging, electricity, water, sanitation, communication, and health of the pilgrims,î he said. The LG said that an atmosphere of spiritual fervour has filled the air at SAJY base camps and pointed out that significant achievements were made by SASB in the last two years in creating pilgrims-centric facilities. ìPreviously narrow and steep Yatra tracks along both routes have been widened to around 12 feet in most of the stretches. Kalimata stretch, which was previously very narrow and with a steep gradient, has been widened to almost 12 feet with a much gentler slope,î he said. He said that safer Yatra tracks will be ensured with stronger safety handrails all along the whole of the Baltal track and 20+ kilometers on vulnerable stretches on the Pahalgam track. ìPilgrims will witness illuminated tracks and Yatra camps as grid power connectivity along the whole of the Baltal track till the holy cave and from the holy cave to Panjtarni has been achieved,î he said. He said that the grid connectivity on the remaining stretch of the Pahalgam track has started. ìWe will ensure enhanced accommodation for pilgrims at SASBís Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900) and Pantha chowk (1000). Digital pre-paid system for hiring of various services like pony, pithu, palki would be available for pilgrims as well,î he said. He said that the wooden darshan platform at the Holy Cave has been replaced with a stainless steel platform of appropriate alignment and height with wood flooring and an additional row. ìNow, pilgrims would be able to have darshans simultaneously in four rows. This shall facilitate better and hassle-free darshans,î he said. He said that the installation of a Canopy over the stairs at the Holy Cave has been done for the comfort and protection of yatris from rain, snowfall, and scorching sun. ìClinical bed capacity of health care facilities at Panjtarni and upper camps has been expanded substantially this year. Integrated Command and Control Centres have been established and deployment of J&K Police and CAPFs Personnel has been increased as well,î J&K LG said. He further said that vulnerable spots have been identified and dedicated measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. ì100-bedded hospitals are functional at both axis, while Yatri Niwas at Baltal and Pahalgam axis are being developed for the convenience of the devotees. Special focus has been laid on cleanliness and making the Yatra more sustainable,î LG Manoj Sinha said. He said that Prasad counters have also been established at the holy cave, while a foot over bridge at Nunwan base camp, cloak rooms, e-rickshaw, and other such facilities have been extended for the pilgrims and service providers. ìSecurity at Tourist spots has also been enhanced for convenience of the devotees,î he said. The LG lauded the role of the media and local residents of J&K in the smooth and successful conduct of the Yatra. He further said that RFID tracking will be mandatory for every pilgrim to facilitate real-time monitoring. ìHigh-quality surveillance cameras have been installed at all major points along the route. The number of security personnel has been increased, and mock drills have already been conducted to prepare for the Yatra,î Sinha said. He further said that the Rural Development Department (RDD) was continuing its efforts to maintain a clean and green Yatra corridor. ìWe have successfully ensured a zero-waste Yatra since last year,î he said. He appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Valley, for their support of the devotees during the Yatra. ìThe local people eagerly welcome the pilgrims, and everyone is looking forward to it,î he said and asked the ìjournalist friendsî to send a positive message about the unmatched hospitality of the people of Kashmir.

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