Srinagar, June 18 : The Kashmir administration is making extensive preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3, with all departments working to ensure smooth services and facilities for pilgrims, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Garg said arrangements were being put in place at both Baltal and Nunwan base camps, while regular reviews were being conducted to assess preparedness.
“There is a well-established system in place for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Like every year, the pilgrimage will commence on July 3, and all departments are working to provide services in a timely manner,” he said.
Garg said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, has been continuously reviewing preparations related to pilgrim facilitation and security.
He said district administrations along both routes are prepared to welcome devotees and are coordinating with service providers to ensure smooth arrangements.
“Meetings are being held with service providers by the district administrations as well as at the divisional level. Our effort is to ensure that a maximum number of pilgrims undertake the yatra this year and receive the best possible services,” Garg said.
The Divisional Commissioner said all stakeholder departments, service providers and local residents were ready to contribute towards the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
Responding to a question on Muharram arrangements, Garg said the administration has also started preparations for the observance of the month and is coordinating with stakeholders to ensure smooth conduct of processions.
He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already reviewed the arrangements and directed officials to ensure all essential services are available along designated procession routes.
“For the past few years, a system has been in place for Muharram processions. District administrations, in coordination with security agencies, are making arrangements at all approved routes,” Garg said.
He added that officials were conducting field visits and preparing a final checklist of essential services in accordance with the chief minister’s directions.
“Our effort is to ensure that Muharram processions are held smoothly during the tourist season so that there is no inconvenience either to participants or to tourists visiting Kashmir,” he said.(KNS)
