Logistics, fool-proof security arrangements in place for Amarnath yatra: L-G Manoj Sinha

Srinagar: Pratham Puja was on Saturday held at Amarnath cave-shrine to mark the ceremonial commencement of the annual pilgrimage to one of the most revered Hindu places of worship tucked away in the lower Kashmir Himalayas at a height of 13,000 feet (3882 m).

Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) participated in the ritual held coinciding with Jyeshtha Purnima, a sacred day in Hindu religion, through video conferencing. The board has been organizing this ritual every year “to seek the blessings of Lord Amarnath for the peaceful conduct of the annual pilgrimage”, its spokesman said.

After the ceremony, the Lt. Governor told a select group of reporters at Raj Bhawan here that the J&K administration, its allied agencies and the security forces have made special arrangements to ensure a smooth and successful conduct of the yatra.

He said, “The SASB and concerned departments are committed to provide better facilities and services to the pilgrims. There has been significant enhancement in essential facilities, infrastructure and security. We are taking every possible measure to ensure the yatra is smooth, safe and hassle-free.”

The SASB spokesman said that the puja amid chanting of Vedic mantras to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. A hawan was also performed on this auspicious occasion, he added.

Mr. Sinha said, “At the Pratham Puja, we sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health, progress, and well-being of all the people. It has been an ancient tradition of J&K that people from all communities participate in this yatra irrespective of their respective religious beliefs”. He, however, urged all the enlightened citizens to come together to welcome and serve the pilgrims coming from different parts of the country and abroad. Mr. Sinha reiterated that the J&K administration and the SASB have made concerted efforts to bring qualitative improvement in the overall yatra experience for devotees.

This year’s Amarnath Yatra to be spread over 50 days will commence from both traditional Pahalgam (Anantnag district) and shorter Baltal (Ganderbal district) routes on June 29 and conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on August 19.

Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO of the SASB who also attended the Pratham Puja has reiterated that the children below 13 years, elders above 70 years and six-week pregnant women will not be permitted for the pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Mr. Sinha on Saturday launched various Swachh initiatives of the J&K Directorate of Rural Sanitation for the Amarnath yatra. He said, “J&K is at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism. For this holy yatra, we have worked out a solution through fusion of technology and human resource.”

Mr. Sinha highlighted the integrated strategy of the J&K administration and the SASB aimed at zero-waste, clean and efficient sanitation system and complete protection to natural resources and environment, a Raj Bhawan spokesman said.

Lt. Governor commended the Directorate of Rural Sanitation and said its new logo, Swachh Yatra Anthem, Website and mobile application “will greatly benefit our objective of Zero-Waste Pilgrimage”. He also spoke about the “integrated strategy” of his administration and the SASB “aimed at zero-waste, clean and efficient sanitation system and complete protection to natural resources and environment”.