Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday performed the Pratham Puja at Amarnath cave, officially marking the ceremonial commencement of the annual pilgrimage.
Extending his greetings to devotees across the country, the LG said, “I urge all devotees of Baba Barfani to visit in large numbers and pray to Mahadev for the progress of Jammu & Kashmir and the nation.”
The 52-day-long yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 and culminate on August 23. Speaking on the preparations, Sinha assured that elaborate arrangements have been made for the comfort and safety of pilgrims.
“The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and JK administration have upgraded facilities along the route. From better accommodation and sanitation to enhanced medical care and mobile connectivity, every possible measure is being taken to ensure a smooth pilgrimage,” he said.
On the security front, the LG said that a multi-layered security grid has been put in place.
“JK Police, Army, CRPF, CAPFs and other security agencies have made foolproof arrangements. The entire route has been secured with regular patrolling, drone surveillance, and RFID tracking for yatris,” he added.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has worked round the clock to restore and maintain roads, while health departments have set up camps with 24×7 emergency services, oxygen booths, and ambulances at critical stretches.
“All stakeholders — the Shrine Board, Army, BRO, CAPFs, JK Police and civil administration — are working in complete coordination with devotion, dedication and a clear objective: to ensure a safe, smooth and spiritually fulfilling yatra,” Sinha said.
