Srinagar, July 5 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited Chandanwari to review the ground situation and assess the facilities being provided to pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor inspected accommodation, food, sanitation and other essential services at the camp. He interacted with officials, pilgrims, volunteers, langar sevadars and other service providers, directing Yatra management teams to regularly seek pilgrim feedback and remain available round the clock to address any issues.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to provide the best possible food, lodging and other facilities to the devotees of Lord Shiva through a coordinated whole-of-government approach. I want every pilgrim to have a peaceful darshan and a spiritually fulfilling experience,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited the Base Hospital at Chandanwari to review healthcare arrangements. He inspected the wards, laboratories and emergency units, and interacted with patients to assess the quality of medical care being provided.
He appreciated the dedication of doctors, paramedics and healthcare workers serving the pilgrims.
Officials informed the Lieutenant Governor that adequate stocks of medicines and essential medical equipment are available at the hospital. Specialist doctors, nursing staff and paramedics have been deployed to provide prompt treatment, while the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD) is handling an average of around 2,500 patients daily, including pilgrims, service providers and support staff.
Speaking to reporters, Sinha said this year’s Yatra has witnessed a significant increase in the number of pilgrims compared to previous years. He said the administration, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and all concerned departments have made better arrangements than ever before to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
He, however, expressed concern over the growing number of unregistered pilgrims reaching the Yatra base camps and appealed to them to wait for their allotted turn.
“I request all unregistered pilgrims to cooperate with the administration. The daily limit of pilgrims from both the Chandanwari and Baltal routes is fixed and cannot be increased. Following the prescribed guidelines is essential for ensuring everyone’s safety and a hassle-free pilgrimage,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor added that the 100-bed hospital at Chandanwari has been operational for the past two years and continues to provide quality healthcare services, while officials and staff from all departments are working tirelessly to ensure a safe, smooth and successful Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. (KNS)
