Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited the Yatra Transit Camp and Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar to review the arrangements for pilgrims undertaking the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with officials and pilgrims and assessed facilities including registration, accommodation, sanitation, security, healthcare, drinking water, power supply, firefighting measures and other essential services.
Directing the officials to ensure the highest standards of hospitality, Sinha said every devotee of Lord Shiva should receive round-the-clock care.
“From registration to accommodation and food, no pilgrim should face any inconvenience. It must be our collective responsibility to make their stay in Jammu and Kashmir divine and comfortable,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that the number of pilgrims participating in this year’s Yatra has increased compared to the corresponding period last year, describing the surge as a positive development for both spiritual tourism and the Union Territory’s economy.
He also stressed the need to promote Jammu and Kashmir’s rich handicrafts and handloom products among pilgrims so that the region’s traditional craftsmanship reaches homes across the country. He said the initiative would support local artisans while strengthening the spirit of the One District One Product (ODOP) campaign.
Sinha appreciated the coordinated efforts of the District Administration, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Police, security forces and other departments in ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
He called for continued coordination, effective crowd management, hassle-free registration and timely dissemination of information to pilgrims throughout the Yatra. The Lieutenant Governor also directed officials to take strict legal action against individuals found involved in fraudulent registration practices.
The visit was attended by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Inspector General of Police Kashmir V. K. Birdi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg and other senior civil and police officers.
