Baltal, July 2 (IANS). Jammu and Kashmir Government Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma reached Baltal Base Camp on Thursday and took stock of the preparations for Amarnath Yatra. He reviewed various arrangements related to the Yatra and said that adequate arrangements have been made for accommodation, cleanliness, health services, security, ration, transport and other necessary facilities for the devotees. During this, he assured that wherever shortcomings come to light, they will be removed soon.
Speaking to IANS, Satish Sharma said that I am thanking all the arrangements, administration, all the top officials of our government, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Central Government. The coming of such a large number of people here shows deep devotion towards Bhole Baba. The number of devotees is continuously increasing. Today more than 2300 people are here. Around 35 of our vehicles are also being given as free service. SRTC trains have a very important role. The ration system is solid. Although the weather is not in our control, still a large number of people are coming.
The minister admitted that shortcomings in the arrangements have come to light at some places. It has come to light that there are some shortcomings at some places in Jammu, but we will try to rectify them. Coordination between the central government, state government and the forces here is very important. However, there are many shortcomings when there are two power centres, but by the grace of Bhole Baba everything will be overcome.
Welcoming the devotees, he said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming the pilgrims with open hearts. May the journey of innocent devotees be auspicious. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming him with folded hands and open arms. This journey shows the true form of India. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians together organize this yatra. There are more than 10 thousand people from Reasi alone. So this is the beauty that the devotees of Bholenath are being welcomed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that he himself is present in Baltal since last day and is continuously monitoring the arrangements. We will try to remove the shortcomings, but the arrangements are still excellent. Giving details of the preparations, the Minister said, “All preparations are in place. Solar lights have been installed in the best possible manner. There will be shortcomings because the flow of people has become very high, but we will try to remove them.”
The Cabinet Minister expressed confidence that in coordination with the administration, Central Government, Jammu and Kashmir Government and security agencies, every possible effort is being made to make the Amarnath Yatra safe, smooth and successful and the convenience of the devotees is being given top priority.
–IANS
PSK/ABM
