Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conducted a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, according to an official spokesperson.
The meeting included key participants such as Mandeep Bhandari, CEO of the Amarnath Shrine Board, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, and other senior officers from the civil administration, police, and paramilitary forces.
Lt Governor Sinha discussed various aspects of the yatra’s preparations, including the deployment of police and security personnel, doctors and nursing staff, duty officers, relief and rescue teams, and sanitation workers along the pilgrimage routes.
Sinha emphasized the importance of assigning dedicated officers to ensure the effective functioning of facilities developed by their respective departments.
“Pilgrims are the brand ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir. Greater synergy between all stakeholder departments, police, security forces, and service providers will ensure the best arrangements for a hassle-free pilgrimage,” he stated.
During the meeting, it was noted that significant improvements have been made to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience. The Lt Governor stressed the need for seamless arrangements along the yatra route, including an adequate supply of oxygen cylinders and the availability of ambulances and helicopters for medical emergencies.
Sinha also reviewed the provisions related to the yatra’s track, lodging, electricity, water supply, communication, health services, and fire and emergency services.
Later, the Lt Governor inspected the facilities for pilgrims at the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam.
The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva in south Kashmir, is scheduled to commence on June 29 and conclude on August 19.