Srinagar, June 28 (IANS). Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited Baltal Base Camp in North Kashmir and reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. During this, he held a meeting with senior officials and took stock of the infrastructure, security arrangements and preparations made for the pilgrims.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on social media platform ‘X’ that instructions have been given to all concerned departments to provide all necessary facilities before the commencement of the Yatra, so that the devotees of Lord Shiva can get a safe, convenient and well-organized environment.
He said, “My priority is that every devotee returns with a pleasant and satisfying experience of this spiritual journey. This journey is a symbol of faith and collective joy and the arrangements should also reflect the same spirit.”
Speaking to reporters at Baltal Base Camp, the LG said that preparations for the Yatra were being made for the last several months with the coordinated efforts of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir Administration, security agencies and other concerned departments. He expressed confidence that this year’s Yatra will be safer and better managed than before.
On this occasion, Manoj Sinha launched the ‘Shubham-Shivam’ campaign of the Directorate of Rural Sanitation. He described it as an important step towards clean, sustainable and ‘zero-landfill’ Amarnath Yatra. Also unveiled the new website, official theme song, logo and mascot of the Yatra.
He said that the real strength of this campaign is the sanitation workers and Karmayogi volunteers, who will play an important role in keeping the base camp and both the yatra routes clean. Appreciating their dedication, he said that these people are the real heroes of environmental protection and maintaining the spiritual dignity of Yatra.
It is noteworthy that Shri Amarnath Yatra will start from 3rd July and will conclude on 28th August on the day of Shravan Purnima and Rakshabandhan. Situated at an altitude of 3,880 meters above sea level, the sacred cave is located in the Kashmir Himalayan region in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Devotees can travel via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. It takes about four days to reach the cave via Pahalgam route, whereas devotees going via Baltal route return to the base camp on the same day after having darshan.
The naturally formed ice Shivalinga in the cave waxes and wanes according to the phases of the moon, which devotees consider to be the divine form of Lord Shiva.
This year also the administration has declared the entire route from both the base camps to the cave as ‘no-fly zone’. Due to this, helicopter service will not be available for the devotees during the yatra.
–IANS
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