Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Congress Working President Raman Bhalla on Tuesday urged the lieutenant governor administration to ensure comprehensive security arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra and simultaneously take steps to promote tourism in the Jammu region by connecting pilgrims with major tourist and religious destinations.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine will commence from the twin tracks — the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal — on July 3. It will conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 28.
“We appeal to the lieutenant governor’s administration to ensure comprehensive and foolproof security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra”, he told reporters at a function here.
Bhalla met several saints and sadhus preparing for the pilgrimage and discussed issues regarding arrangements for the yatra. He assured them that their concerns and suggestions would be taken up with the government and the concerned authorities.
He stressed that the safety and well-being of lakhs of devotees visiting Jammu and Kashmir for the holy pilgrimage must remain the administration’s top priority.
Bhalla said that there is a need for all necessary arrangements related to security, healthcare, transportation, accommodation and emergency response to be strengthened to facilitate a smooth and hassle-free yatra.
Describing the Amarnath Yatra as one of the country’s most significant religious pilgrimages, Bhalla called for the deployment of adequate security personnel along the pilgrimage routes and enhanced surveillance in sensitive areas.
He also emphasised effective coordination among various departments to deal with any unforeseen situations and ensure the safety of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage period.
Underlining the importance of robust security measures, Bhalla said the administration and tourism department should also make efforts to encourage pilgrims to explore Jammu’s rich cultural, historical and religious heritage.
He mentioned that a majority of pilgrims travel directly to the Amarnath cave shrine and return without visiting the region’s prominent tourist attractions. “A structured plan linking the pilgrimage with tourism promotion, he said, would enrich the experience of visitors and provide a boost to the local economy”.
Bhalla highlighted several tourist and religious destinations in Jammu, including Mansar Lake, Surinsar Lake, Bagh-e-Bahu, Bahu Fort, Suchetgarh Border in R S Pura, Baba Chamliyal Shrine and Bawe Wali Mata Temple.
He noted that many visitors are unable to visit these places due to inadequate promotion and limited transportation facilities.
He suggested introducing dedicated tourism packages and transport arrangements during the yatra to facilitate pilgrim visits to these destinations.
Such measures, he said, would generate economic activity and benefit hoteliers, transport operators, shopkeepers and others dependent on tourism-related livelihoods.
The Congress leader stated that tourism activities in Jammu have faced challenges in recent times, affecting employment and income opportunities for locals.
Linking the Amarnath Yatra with the promotion of Jammu tourism could play a significant role in revitalising the local economy and creating new avenues for growth, he added.