Srinagar, June 26 : Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that over 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra before the April 22 incident, and the overall turnout has seen a 10.19% drop compared to last year. He, however, expressed hope that the number would rise again in the coming days.
“Before April 22, 2,36,801 people had registered. After the incident, there was a slight drop, but as of yesterday, over 85,000 pilgrims have confirmed their Yatra,” LG Manoj Sinha said while addressing a press conference.
“I hope that the numbers will continue to rise in the coming days,” he added.
The LG said last year’s Yatra had seen 5.12 lakh pilgrims, the highest in 12 years.
According to KNS, LG said that helicopter services have been suspended this year due to safety and security concerns.
“There were several accidents earlier, and safety is our top priority. That’s why heli services are not operating this time,” he said.
“Only 8% of pilgrims used helicopter services in previous years, so this decision won’t affect the Yatra in a major way,” he added.
LG Sinha said that both Yatra routes, Baltal and Chandanwari-Pahalgam have been widened from 4–5 feet to 12 feet, significantly improving safety.
“Many vulnerable spots have been secured with cross-barriers. Earlier, rainfall caused major issues on narrow paths. Now, pilgrims are giving very good feedback,” the LG said.
He said permanent accommodations are being constructed at both Baltal and Nunwan camps, and though weather delayed the work for a few days, major portions will be ready this year.
LG Manoj Sinha said that both base camps now have 100-bed hospitals, and additional medical staff and doctors have been deployed.l“There’s a big improvement in healthcare this year,” he said.
On sanitation, LG Sinha said that the Zero Landfill target has been achieved again this year. “The Shrine Board, Rural Development, and Urban Development departments are working together to maintain cleanliness throughout the Yatra,” he said.
Sinha said that the RFID-based tracking system, launched three years ago, is being used again this year. “After eKYC, all pilgrims and service providers are issued RFID cards. High-definition cameras are in place, and a modern command-and-control center is monitoring the Yatra 24/7,” he said.
“A separate police control room is also functioning continuously,” he added.
Sinha said that the convoy system from Lakhanpur to Jammu and beyond has been made more efficient this year.
“A new footover bridge at Nunwan camp has resolved the issue of double check-ins. Pilgrims can now reach the camp faster,” LG Sinha said.
Speaking about security arrangements, LG Manoj Sinha said that the J&K Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are working jointly.
“The deployment is stronger than ever. A three-tier security system is in place at all base camps, and all service providers have been verified,” he said.
Sinha said that insurance for all pilgrims and emergency response arrangements are fully in place through the Shrine Board and administration. “We are fully prepared to handle any emergency during the Yatra,” he said.
The LG also praised the local people of Kashmir for their traditional support.
“The way locals welcome the pilgrims cannot be matched anywhere in the country,” Sinha added.(KNS)
