Throngs of 20,000 Devotees Flock to Cave Shrine Devoted to Lord Shiva During the Ongoing Amarnath Yatra, Overseen by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
The preparations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir have seen significant improvements in infrastructure development and pilgrim facilities. This year, the Yatra is expected to be safer, more comfortable, and better supported for the thousands of pilgrims who will embark on the sacred journey.
## Infrastructure Development
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has worked tirelessly to ensure an uninterrupted power supply throughout the Yatra period. Illumination arrangements have been made along the Yatra Track and at various locations such as Baltal, Domail, and Ranga-Morh. This includes the installation of underground electrical infrastructure and deployment of DG sets and portable generators.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is developing state-of-the-art Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas complexes at strategic locations: Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra. These facilities will provide lodging, sanitation, and emergency support to pilgrims. The Baltal complex, developed under ONGC's Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, is fully operational, while the ones at Nunwan and Bijbehara are expected to be completed by September 2025.
## Pilgrim Facilities
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed and emphasized the need for robust healthcare arrangements. A new training ward for healthcare staff was inaugurated at the Base Camp Hospital. There have been significant upgrades in security and surveillance systems to ensure a safe environment for pilgrims. Integrated security installations are part of the new facilities developed by ONGC.
The facilities developed by ONGC will also provide logistical support, which includes emergency coordination hubs and disaster-response infrastructure. Notable improvements have been made in healthcare, power supply, communication, water availability, sanitation, food services, lodging, traffic management, surveillance, track maintenance, and overall security for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
## Celebration and Enthusiasm
An atmosphere of celebration and enthusiasm exists across Jammu and Kashmir for the Yatra. Over 20,000 devotees have already performed darshan at the Amarnath cave shrine. The administration's commitment to prioritizing pilgrim convenience is reflected in the accommodation provided, such as the Baltal facility of the Yatri Niwas Complex, which can accommodate 800 pilgrims.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha thanked ONGC for their contributions to infrastructure development and expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas for their support to the Shrine Board. He also emphasized the administration's focus on providing safe and adequate lodging for the pilgrims. Pilgrims arriving earlier than their scheduled dates will be accommodated.
The people of the region have extended a warm welcome to the pilgrims, making the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023 a memorable experience for all involved.
- Proper healthcare, lifestyle, and travel arrangements have been ensured for the pilgrims during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, with significant upgrades in healthcare facilities and robust disaster management complexes developed as part of overall pilgrim facilities.
- The enhancement of infrastructure development in sports facilities, such as the improved communication and traffic management systems, ensures a safer and more comfortable experience for the thousands of pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey, fostering an atmosphere of celebration and enthusiasm throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
