SRINAGAR, July 10 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday reviewed security, accommodation, healthcare and other arrangements for pilgrims at the Baltal Base Camp of the annual Amarnath Yatra, saying all departments and security agencies are working in close coordination to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
Speaking to the media, as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Sinha said around 1.70 lakh devotees have undertaken the Amarnath Yatra during its first seven days, with the pilgrimage entering its eighth day. He said the Jammu and Kashmir administration, police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces and all other departments have been making coordinated efforts to facilitate the pilgrims.
Sinha said the annual pilgrimage also provides a major boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, benefiting thousands of people associated with hotels, transport services, tent accommodation, pony services and the sale of local products. He said a large section of the local population earns its livelihood through services linked to the Yatra.
Reviewing facilities at the Baltal Base Camp, the Lieutenant Governor said tent accommodation and other arrangements were being continuously monitored by officials. He said fire safety measures, including the installation of fire extinguishers in every tent, have been put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
He also inspected healthcare facilities and said two hospitals, one each at Baltal and Chandanwari, are providing medical services during the pilgrimage. According to doctors, around 1,300 to 1,400 patients are being treated daily in the outpatient departments, while those requiring further treatment are being admitted for medical care.
Appealing to pilgrims, Sinha urged them to follow the guidelines issued by the administration and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board. He advised devotees to approach camp directors or security personnel in case of any difficulty and cautioned them against being misled by unauthorized persons.
The Lieutenant Governor said rates for all services connected with the Yatra have been fixed and asked pilgrims to report any instance of overcharging to the camp director or the police, assuring that appropriate action would be taken against those found violating the prescribed rates.(KNS)
