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Valley all set to welcome Amarnath Yatris

Srinagar: Following the melancholic atmosphere after the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir Valley has opened up its arms and hearts to welcome the pilgrims who have decided to visit Baba Barfani at Shree Amarnath Cave in the upper reaches of Pahalgam hills. As the Yatra begins tomorrow, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting with the senior officers and reviewed the final preparations for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department Shaleen Kabra; DGP Nalin Prabhat; Special Director General (Coordination), PHQ, S.J.M Gillani; Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti; Principal Secretary, Finance Santosh D Vaidya; ADGP CID Nitish Kumar; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO SASB Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari and senior officials of SASB, Police and Civil Administration. An official spokesman said that the LG took a comprehensive review of the traffic & security management and all the arrangements in place by the stakeholder departments for the smooth, safe and hassle-free holy pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials for widespread publicity of Traffic Advisory so that common man is not inconvenienced. District Administrations, SSPs, Traffic Police and Stakeholder departments should work in close coordination to ensure movement of pilgrims in designated convoys and smooth implementation of the traffic plan, he said. He further directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that lodgement centres and sanitation units are in good condition. He visited the high-security Bhagwati Nagar base camp here to review the final arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra, and expressed optimism about the increasing number of devotees arriving from across the country. Amid multi-tier security cover, the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims will be flagged off by the LG on Wednesday for the twin base camps in Kashmir, marking the formal commencement of this year's pilgrimage from Jammu. "I have witnessed the last four yatras, and from the perspective of pilgrims and facilities, the arrangements this time are better than before. From the security point of view as well, the forces have made foolproof arrangements," Sinha told reporters during his visit to the base camp on Tuesday evening. The LG was greeted by enthusiastic devotees chanting "Bum Bum Bhole", "Har Har Mahadev", and "Baba Barfani Ki Jai" as the atmosphere at the base camp turned devotional. He interacted with the pilgrims, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. "Considering the way devotees are pouring in from across the country, I hope the numbers will increase in the coming days," he said, adding that more than 5,000 pilgrims have already arrived in Jammu. Seeking the support of the people of Jammu and the wider region, Sinha said, "I seek the support and cooperation of the media and every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. This yatra belongs to everyone. It is not just the responsibility of the administration or security forces." Upholding the traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, the LG said he was confident that this year's pilgrimage would be highly successful. "There will be an excellent response from every batch -- just keep watching," he added. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will commence on July 3 via the twin tracks -- the traditional 48-kilometre-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in the Ganderbal district. Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reviewed the overall arrangements for the yatra and said that all necessary measures, including elaborate security arrangements, have been put in place to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage for devotees arriving from across the country and abroad. The Security Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken charge of the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is overseeing security around the premises. The Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu serves as the primary base camp for pilgrims arriving from across the country before they proceed to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, nestled in the majestic Himalayas of south Kashmir. In Srinagar too, LG Sinha chaired a high-level meeting with senior officers and reviewed the final preparations for the annual Yatra. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat and other senior officers from the police and civil administration, and senior officials of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), an official spokesman said. Sinha directed the officials to spread the traffic advisory widely so that the common man is not inconvenienced during the 38-day pilgrimage that starts on Thursday. The LG took a comprehensive review of the traffic and security management and all the arrangements in place by the stakeholder departments for the smooth, safe and hassle-free holy pilgrimage, the spokesperson said. District administrations, SSPs, traffic police and stakeholder departments should work in close coordination to ensure movement of pilgrims in designated convoys and smooth implementation of the traffic plan, the LG said. Sinha directed the deputy commissioners to ensure that lodgement centres and sanitation units are in good condition. Earlier, LG flagged off the fleet of ambulances for the hospitals in Ramban and Anantnag districts. According to an official press release, a total five ambulances were donated by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) through M/S Quazigund Expressway Private Limited for hospitals at Qazigund, Banihal, Ramban, Batote, and Gool, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The deployment of the ambulances will strengthen emergency healthcare services and ensure timely medical care to the people. The LG appreciated the NHAI and M/S Quazigund Expressway Private limited for their noble initiative. He also asked the Deputy Commissioner Ramban to explore the possibilities for 'hospital on wheels' for the remote areas of the district to ensure equitable, and quality healthcare to all. Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG and CEO Shri Amarnath Shrine Board; Mohammad Alyas Khan, Deputy Commissioner Ramban; RS Yadav, NHAI Regional Officer, J&K; senior officials of NHAI and representatives of M/S Quazigund Expressway Private limited were present on the occasion at Raj Bhawan. On the eve of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the 'Tawi Aarti' at Tawi Riverfront Jammu. The Lieutenant Governor sought the blessings of Suryaputri River Tawi and Baba Barfani and prayed for a peaceful, blessed and memorable pilgrimage for all the devotees. "Entire J&K is experiencing spiritual bliss on the eve of holy pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji. People of J&K are ready to welcome devotees of Baba Barfani coming from across the country. May Lord Shiva bless everyone with health, happiness and harmony," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to Jammu Municipal Corporation, Department of Tourism, Jammu Smart City Limited and Shri Raghunath Ji Corridor Vikas Council Jammu for organising the Tawi Aarti. "There is the song of God in the heartbeat of Jammu. The truth of life shines in city's consciousness. The relationship between Jammu and spirituality is eternal. The city has always been in search of truth and it is blessed by the divine energy. This divine Tawi Aarti will connect the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra with the spiritual and historical significance of the Suryaputri River Tawi," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted Jammu Kashmir's extraordinary journey towards peace, prosperity, and unprecedented development over the past few years. "After decades of darkness J&K in 2019 leaped towards regaining its dignity, its pride and its spiritual peak. It has got new wings in the last 5 years. The light of upliftment is dispelling darkness in every section. Citizens are full of self-confidence and the river of progress is flowing uninterrupted," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his unwavering commitment to the inclusive development of the Union Territory and revival of the region's rich cultural and spiritual legacy. "For me responsibility of J&K is not just administrative assignment. For me, this was an opportunity to restore the ancient glory of Jammu and Kashmir. For me, it was an opportunity to rebuild Jammu and Kashmir. I have tried to recreate the grandeur of Jammu and Kashmir, like the sacred temple. I have tried to restore the lost image of this holy land," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor saluted the people of J&K for actively participating in the development journey. "I am proud of the rapid pace at which Jammu Division and Kashmir Division have developed in the last five years. The pace of progress is historic. Common citizens and intellectuals of the society are engaged in the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir, which is highly commendable," he said. The Lieutenant Governor also commended the entire team of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board for performing its duties with dedication and devotion for the pilgrims. He said the Yatri Niwas at Baltal will be dedicated to Pilgrims on July 04. Since 2022 facilities for pilgrims are significantly improved. I pray to Lord Shiva to make the journey of devotees successful and all their wishes come true, he said. "World's eyes are on this yatra. The devotees' resolve is unshakeable; no threats can deter their spirit. With the cooperation and support of everyone, this year's Yatra will be even more historic than previous years," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor urged all the civil society members, enlightened citizens to join the flag-off ceremony of the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 at Yatri Niwas tomorrow morning. He asked the media persons to spread awareness among the pilgrims to travel in designated convoys. The Lieutenant Governor also sought the support from all sections of the society to make the Tawi Aarti a continuous event. Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, District Development Council Jammu; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu and CEO of Jammu Smart City Limited; Rajesh Gupta, Chairman Raghunathji Corridor Vikas Council; heads of various religious and business associations, members of civil society groups, Acharyas and Archakas were present. Members of the Legislative Assembly, Administrative Secretaries, senior officials of Civil and Police Administration, people and pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in large numbers also took part in the Tawi Aarti.

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