Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ through video conferencing today to mark the ceremonial commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra.
According to an official press release, the LG sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health, progress, and well-being of all the people.
Interacting with the media-persons, the LG highlighted the efforts of the administration and the Shrine Board to bring qualitative improvement in the overall Yatra experience for devotees, the press release said.
“Officials of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and concerned departments are committed to provide better facilities and services for pilgrims. There has been 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 the “enlightened” citizens to come together to welcome and serve the pilgrims 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 Yatra will start from 29th June, simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board; senior officials of SASB, Army and LG’s Secretariat also attended the Pratham Puja, the press release said.
LG Sinha launches Swachh initiatives for Amarnath Yatra 2024
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched various Swachh initiatives of Directorate of Rural Sanitation for Amarnath Yatra 2024, at Raj Bhawan today.
In his address on the occasion, according to an official press release, the LG commended the Directorate of Rural Sanitation. He said the new logo, Swachh Yatra anthem, website and mobile application will greatly benefit our objective of zero-waste pilgrimage.
The LG highlighted the integrated strategy of the UT administration and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) aimed at zero-waste, clean and efficient sanitation system and complete protection to natural resources and environment.
“J&K is at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism. For this holy Yatra, we have worked out a solution through fusion of technology and human resource,” the LG said.
Speaking on the new endeavours, the LG said the logo ‘शिवसंकल्पमस्तु’ symbolises the resolve to make Yatra memorable. A dedicated website shivamsankalpamastu.in and Nandi- the Yatra Saarthi App will be accurate info sources related to Yatra and sanitation, he added.
He also lauded the initiatives aimed at creating awareness among the pilgrims and all the stakeholders. He said the anthem ‘Chal Amarnath’ symbolises the convergence of spirituality, natural heritage and ecology.
The LG called upon the officials and all stakeholders to make dedicated efforts for installation of all the requisite facilities in view of the annual Yatra, on priority.
He emphasized on sensitization of sanitation workers on cleanliness and hygiene. We need to pay special attention towards environment-friendly disposal of solid waste and piped water and power connection, lighting, and availability of necessary facilities at all toilets, he said.
Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer SASB, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Anoo Malhotra, Director General, Rural Sanitation, and other senior officials attended the launch ceremony.
