J-K LG chairs meeting on Amarnath Yatra, reviews preparations
The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimages in Hinduism, is just around the corner, and the Jammu and Kashmir administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth and safe journey for lakhs of devotees who are expected to throng the holy cave shrine. To review the final preparations, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting on the Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 3.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the police and civil administration, as well as the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, an official spokesperson said. The meeting was a crucial platform for the officials to discuss and finalize the arrangements for the yatra, which is expected to attract a large number of devotees from across the country.
According to sources, Sinha directed the officials to spread the traffic advisory widely to ensure that the pilgrims are well aware of the routes, timings, and other details related to the yatra. The Lt Governor also emphasized the need for strict monitoring of the weather conditions and the preparedness of the emergency services to deal with any eventuality.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, which is responsible for managing the yatra, has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. The board has set up a state-of-the-art command center in Jammu, which will monitor the yatra 24×7 and respond promptly to any situation that may arise.
The board has also deployed a team of medical professionals, including doctors and paramedics, at the Yatri Niwas in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, and at the base camps in Pahalgam and Baltal. The team will provide medical assistance to the pilgrims if needed, and also conduct medical check-ups to ensure that they are fit to undertake the yatra.
In addition, the board has set up a team of langar sewa volunteers, who will provide food and refreshments to the pilgrims at the Yatri Niwas and at the base camps. The volunteers will also assist the pilgrims in reaching the holy cave shrine and ensure that they have a comfortable stay at the base camps.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have also made elaborate arrangements to ensure the security of the yatra. The police have deployed a large contingent of personnel at the Yatri Niwas, the base camps, and along the yatra route. The police will also be conducting regular checks and screenings of the pilgrims to ensure that they are not carrying any prohibited items.
The Amarnath Yatra is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that the holy cave shrine is a symbol of the eternal flame of love and devotion. The yatra is a 45-kilometer trek from the base camps in Pahalgam and Baltal to the holy cave shrine, which is situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters above sea level.
Every year, lakhs of devotees from across the country throng the holy cave shrine to offer prayers and pay homage to Lord Shiva. The yatra is a test of physical endurance, as the pilgrims have to trek for several hours in challenging terrain to reach the shrine.
However, the yatra is not without its challenges. The pilgrims have to brave the harsh weather conditions, including extreme cold and snow, to reach the shrine. The yatra is also a significant economic activity for the local communities, who earn a livelihood by providing services to the pilgrims.
In conclusion, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth and safe journey for lakhs of devotees who are expected to throng the holy cave shrine for the Amarnath Yatra. The meeting chaired by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha was a crucial platform for the officials to discuss and finalize the arrangements for the yatra, and the administration is confident that the yatra will be a success.
