1.70 Lakh Pilgrims Visit Amarnath Shrine in First Eight Days: LG Sinha

Srinagar, July 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday reviewed the arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 at the Baltal Base Camp and directed all departments to ensure that pilgrims experience a safe, smooth and hassle-free journey. He ordered a zero-tolerance policy against overcharging, fake registrations, fraudulent activities and any form of exploitation of devotees. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor inspected the Base Camp Hospital, registration counters, accommodation tents and other facilities to assess the administration’s preparedness and the quality of services being provided to pilgrims. Chairing a review meeting, Sinha stressed that the comfort, safety and convenience of devotees must remain the administration’s top priority. He instructed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure seamless arrangements for registration, accommodation, transportation and darshan throughout the pilgrimage. Describing the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra as a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich spiritual heritage, the Lieutenant Governor said the annual pilgrimage also plays a vital role in boosting the region’s economy by generating employment and business opportunities for traders, transporters, labourers and other stakeholders. He appreciated the contributions of doctors, sanitation workers, langar volunteers, security personnel and other service providers for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the successful conduct of the Yatra. Taking a strong stand against malpractice, Sinha directed authorities to immediately register FIRs against anyone—including service providers or government employees—found involved in overcharging, fake registrations, fraud or any other act of exploiting pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor also ordered a comprehensive sanitation audit along the Baltal Yatra route and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Officials informed the meeting that elaborate arrangements have been made for security, healthcare, accommodation, sanitation, electricity and drinking water. They added that RO drinking water facilities have been significantly expanded along the route to meet the increasing demand from pilgrims. Pilgrims who interacted with the Lieutenant Governor expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the administration, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Police, Army and other security agencies, praising the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Inviting devotees from across the country to undertake the sacred pilgrimage, Sinha said nearly 1.70 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine during the first eight days of the Yatra. He also noted that the administration had successfully facilitated a large number of pilgrims who arrived without prior registration. The Lieutenant Governor further informed that the 100-bed hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari are functioning round the clock and are treating around 1,300 to 1,400 OPD patients every day, ensuring timely medical care for devotees. Appealing to pilgrims to strictly follow all advisories issued by the administration and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Sinha assured that the entire administrative machinery remains available round the clock to provide assistance and ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience. The review meeting was attended by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board CEO Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, senior officers of the civil administration, Police, Army, security agencies and other departments associated with the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.