Video: World watches as govt goes all out to make Amarnath Yatra safe and secure

The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s administration is keeping a close tab on all essential services and requisite arrangements made for comfort and convenience of thousands of devotees who are thronging the region for the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine.

Adequate facilities have been made by the government to ensure smooth conduct of the 62-day Yatra which began on Saturday from the base camps in Pahalgam and Baltal in Ganderbal district.

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley, the holy shrine of Lord Shiva stands at 3,888m, 46 Km from Pahalgam and 14 Kms from Baltal.

All arrangements with regard to basic amenities, healthcare and security have been put in place at the base camps and enroute the holy cave for devotees’ pious 62-day pilgrimage.

Widening of tracks, installation of safety railings at vulnerable stretches, elaborate security arrangements have been made for the convenience of the yatris this year.

Emphasising that the world’s eyes are on Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Nunwan, Chandanwari and Baltal base camps recently and interacted with the pilgrims, service providers besides the administrative and security officials deputed for 2023 Amarnath Yatra.

The LG directed all the stakeholders to liaise closely with the team on the ground to ensure effective coordination on cutoff timings to enable the smooth conduct of pilgrimage and to also facilitate locals and tourists.

“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has contributed immensely to our composite culture in the last several centuries. The annual pilgrimage provides a perfect opportunity to showcase J&K’s priceless culture and historic transformation,” said the Lt Governor.

Sinha also took appraisal of various services like lodging, langar, power and water supply, sanitation, health and other facilities being provided to the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Sujoy Lal Thaosen personally took stock of the security arrangements made for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Tuesday and also interacted with the pilgrims.