Amarnath Yatra – Manoj Sinha Reviews Baltal Facilities for Pilgrims
Amarnath Yatra – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Baltal base camp on Friday to assess preparations and facilities for devotees undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. He reviewed key services with senior officials and asked departments to maintain close coordination throughout the pilgrimage.
Focus on Registration, Accommodation and Medical Support
During the inspection, Sinha visited the base camp hospital, registration counters, temporary accommodation areas and other facilities set up for pilgrims. He said the comfort, safety and convenience of devotees should remain the foremost concern for every agency involved in the yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to ensure that the journey, from registration and accommodation to movement along the route and darshan at the holy cave, is managed without unnecessary delays or difficulties. He said the Shrine Board, civil administration, police, Army and other agencies must continue working together to provide a secure and orderly pilgrimage experience.
Action Ordered Against Overcharging and Fraudulent Registration
Sinha instructed authorities to take firm legal action against anyone found charging pilgrims unfairly or involved in fraudulent registrations. He said cases should be registered immediately, irrespective of whether the person involved is a service provider, government employee or associated with any organisation.
He also called for a detailed audit of sanitation arrangements and directed departments to ensure uninterrupted water supply at all camps and along the pilgrimage route. Officials informed him that additional RO water units have been installed on the track to improve access to clean drinking water for pilgrims.
Hospitals Handle Thousands of Daily OPD Cases
Speaking to reporters, the Lieutenant Governor said the yatra had completed eight days and around 1.70 lakh pilgrims had offered prayers at the holy cave so far. He said the administration had made arrangements for a large number of devotees, including those who arrived without prior registration.
According to Sinha, the 100-bed hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari are fully functional and are handling nearly 1,300 to 1,400 OPD cases every day. These medical facilities are supporting both pilgrims and personnel deployed along the yatra routes.
He urged devotees to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Pilgrims facing any difficulty were advised to contact the nearest camp director or security personnel for immediate assistance.
Interaction With Workers, Volunteers and Pilgrims
The Lieutenant Governor also met doctors, sanitation workers, service providers and volunteers operating langars at the Baltal camp. He praised their contribution and said their service plays an important role in supporting the pilgrimage.
Sinha noted that the larger turnout this year is also creating opportunities for local traders, transport operators and other service providers in Jammu and Kashmir. He described the yatra as an important spiritual event that also contributes to economic activity in the region.
During his interaction with devotees, several pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the administration, Shrine Board, police, Army, security forces and other agencies. Officials also briefed the Lieutenant Governor on security, power supply, accommodation, healthcare and feedback systems established for the pilgrimage.
Appeal for Cleanliness and Responsible Travel
Sinha said the Amarnath Yatra reflects the cultural and spiritual identity of Jammu and Kashmir and urged all visitors to help preserve the cleanliness and sanctity of the region. He invited devotees from across the country to undertake the pilgrimage and experience the darshan of Baba Barfani.
The visit was attended by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board CEO Mandeep K Bhandari, senior police officers, civil administration officials and representatives of security agencies.