Srinagar, June 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) were committed to providing better facilities to the Amarnath Yatris.
Performing the ‘Pratham Puja’ to mark the ceremonial commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, through a video conference, LG Sinha sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health, progress, and well-being of all the people.
Interacting with media persons, he highlighted the efforts of the administration and the SASB to bring qualitative improvement in the overall yatra experience for devotees.
“SASB officials and concerned departments are committed to providing better facilities and services for yatris. There has been a significant enhancement in essential facilities, infrastructure and security. We are taking every possible measure to ensure the yatra is smooth, safe and hassle-free,” the LG said.
He urged all enlightened citizens to come together to welcome and serve the yatris coming from different parts of the country and abroad.
“It has been an ancient tradition of J&K that people from all communities participate in this yatra irrespective of their religion,” the LG said.
This year, the annual Amarnath Yatra will start on June 29, simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the Baltal track in Ganderbal district.
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SASB, Mandeep Kumar Bhandari; senior officials of SASB, the Army, and LG’s Secretariat also attended the Pratham Puja.