Mudassir Ahmad
Srinagar, Jul 07: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration is receiving all praise for making adequate arrangements for the Amarnath Yatris.
At least 84,768 Yatris paid obeisance at Shri Amarnath Ji cave for the last six-days. While on Friday, the Yatra was suspended in view of inclement weather.
The influx of yatries continue to surge with each passing day making it one of the most successful yatra in the country.
While the Yatris have all praise for the Jammu and Kashmir administration. “My parents and I paid obeisance on Wednesday. We did not face any difficulties. All arrangements have been done properly,” said Anup Sehgal, a pilgrim from Mumbai.
Another Yatri Asha said they did not face any inconveniences. “Everything has been done in a proper manner. There are adequate security and health arrangements in place,” she said.
There are thousands of tents installed for the night stay of Yatris and also shops to make purchases. Most of these are run by local Kashmiris who are making their earnings.
“The spot where last year’s unfortunate incident took place, no one has been allowed to erect tents, shops, Langars and toilets at that place. Yatris are allowed only in those places which are secure and safe,” a senior J&K government official said.
After last year’s unfortunate incident when 17 pilgrims died near Amarnath cave due to flash flood, Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken several measures including not allowing any establishment like tents, shops, Langars at vulnerable areas along the route to the Holy Cave.
The Jammu and Kashmir Administration has set up a hi-tech Command Control Centre for surveillance and real-time monitoring on the Amarnath Yatra routes. The Union Territory authorities have taken this initiative to facilitate the smooth journey of pilgrims to the Amarnath cave shrine, which is located at an altitude of 13,000 feet in south Kashmir.
The first of its kind digital hi tech command control centre will also help in identifying medical emergencies managing probable natural disasters and locating missing people.
All departments monitor and send communication to their staff in field from here to cater to the requirements of yatries.
It also helps in effective management of operations in exceptional scenarios such as disaster mitigation using information and communication technologies.
On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched various innovative initiatives of Rural Development Department to make Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra a zero-landfill pilgrimage.
These initiatives include reusable cloth bags, Yatra Anthem for sustainable and responsible tourism, MIS Portal and Web App for waste process monitoring.
In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor congratulated the Rural Development Department and Swaaha Resource Management for their commendable work.
“Zero-waste pilgrimage is our resolve. Sincere efforts are being made to transform Information, Education and Communication Campaign into Behavioral Change Communication and also to create an effective model for solid waste management,” the Lt Governor said. He said, with the help of volunteers, IEC campaign and seamless coordination at four different stages of Solid Waste Management, our aim is to evoke profound responsibility towards environment, protection of natural heritage and the sustainable use of natural assets.
