Sinha commenced this year’s pilgrimage by performing the traditional ‘Pratham Puja’ at the revered Amarnath cave shrine. He notably became the first chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board in recent years to access the holy site via the Baltal route.
After the puja, Sinha told the media, “The Pratham Puja has been completed. I urge devotees to come in large numbers for the yatra, which will commence on July 3 and conclude with Raksha Bandhan on August 9.” He also stressed that this year, the Shrine Board and the administration have significantly upgraded facilities for pilgrims.
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Emphasizing the extensive security arrangements, he remarked, “With the involvement of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, and other CAPFs, we have ensured comprehensive security. Thus, I believe there’s no reason for concern; everyone should come and receive Baba’s blessings.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sinha expressed: “Har Har Mahadev! I paid my respects to Baba Barfani and conducted the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial start of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji continue to bestow his divine blessings upon us all.”
He further acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind the pilgrimage: “The invaluable contributions from the people of J&K, Civil Society, and all service providers have been remarkable. I am confident that the enhanced facilities and services will make this year’s pilgrimage memorable and spiritually enriching for all devotees.”
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During his visit, Sinha reviewed the preparations along the Baltal axis, overseeing the ongoing upgrades to tracks and infrastructure. He instructed officials to complete all developmental work on time to enrich the pilgrim experience.
Post-2024 yatra, the administration has prioritized route safety. Sinha mentioned, “The alternative route from Chandanwari to Pissutop will be fitted with safety handrails and surfacing to assist on-foot yatris and better manage the yatra along the Chandanwari axis.”
Officials noted that handrails have already been installed in precarious areas of the Pahalgam route. Moreover, retaining walls and wire mesh have been put in place to mitigate shooting stones, and interlocking concrete block (ILCB) tiles have been laid on slippery sections.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited the Baltal Base Camp Hospital to evaluate medical readiness. He instructed the arrangement of sufficient medical staff and the stocking of essential supplies, including medicines, equipment, oxygen cylinders, and round-the-clock care facilities.
The 38-day yatra will commence simultaneously from the Baltal and Pahalgam routes in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on July 3 and conclude on August 9.
