Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha felicitated officers and personnel of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Civil Administration, Army, CAPFs, J&K Police, BRO, medical professionals, service providers and other stakeholders for the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor lauded the collective efforts of security personnel, sanitation workers, pony operators, pithu bearers, palanquin carriers, langar volunteers and medical staff, who ensured a smooth, secure and dignified pilgrimage despite difficult terrain and adverse weather. He described the achievement as the success of “Team Jammu Kashmir” rather than any single institution.
The 57-day Yatra, held from July 3 to August 28, witnessed around 4.80 lakh devotees paying obeisance to Baba Barfani despite adverse weather disruptions for over 10 days. About 82% of pilgrims completed darshan within the first 20 days and 95% within the first month.
A total of 54,000 service providers were registered, while 93 medical facilities with 595 clinical beds and 26 oxygen booths were established. Around 1,430 doctors and nursing personnel, supported by 48 ambulances, remained on round-the-clock duty. Nearly 7,900 toilets were maintained by 7,900 sanitation workers under the zero-waste Yatra initiative.
The holding capacity was enhanced to 63,000 within the Yatra area and 54,000 across Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Aadhaar-based registration helped curb duplicate registrations. Real-time coordination was ensured through twice-daily meetings led by Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO of the Shrine Board and Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, along with nodal officers, police, Divisional Commissioners and camp officers.
Shri Manoj Sinha said the sacred Yatra reflects India’s Sanatan tradition and the values of humanity, coexistence and collective service. He thanked civil society groups, political parties and religious leaders for their support and said the discipline, coordination and spirit of service displayed during the pilgrimage should become part of Jammu and Kashmir’s development ethos.
“I am confident that every citizen of Jammu Kashmir fulfilled their moral responsibility towards this Yatra, directly or indirectly. The sacred Yatra of Baba Barfani has demonstrated that when collective resolve, clear leadership, robust arrangements and the spirit of service come together, no goal remains impossible,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
