Srinagar, June 28 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited the Baltal base camp in north Kashmir to review the arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.

L-G Sinha said on X: “Today I visited Baltal base camp and chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Together with senior officials, I examined the infrastructure, security measures and overall arrangements to ensure that all preparations are complete.

“I have instructed all the stakeholder departments to make certain that all amenities are in place and that devotees of Lord Shiva are welcomed into an environment that is safe, comfortable and well-organised.

“My priority is that every pilgrim can enjoy the spiritual journey and leave with a truly enriching and fulfilling experience. The sacred Yatra is a moment of faith and shared joy. I want the arrangements to reflect that spirit, ensuring that Teerth Yatris are well cared for.”

Talking to reporters at the Baltal base camp, the L-G said preparations for the Shri Amarnath Yatra have been carried out over the past several months through the coordinated efforts of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the J&K administration, security agencies and other stakeholders.

He expressed confidence that this year’s pilgrimage would be safer and better managed than ever before.

“Today at Baltal, I launched the Directorate of Rural Sanitation’s ‘Shubham–Shivam’ campaign, a major step towards achieving a sustainable, clean and zero-landfill Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Along with a slew of eco-innovations, I officially unveiled the new website, pilgrimage anthem, logo and mascot.

“The true backbone of this initiative is our incredible sanitation team. I am grateful to the Karmyogi volunteers, whose relentless dedication will keep the base camp and both tracks clean in the days ahead. They are the real heroes turning our zero-waste vision into reality, preserving the environment and the profound spiritual dignity of the Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage,” the L-G further said.

The Amarnath Yatra starts on July 3 and will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. The cave shrine, situated 3,880 metres above sea level, lies in the Kashmir Himalayas in Anantnag district.

Yatris use either the longer traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route reach the cave shrine after four days, while those travelling via Baltal return to the base camp the same day after having ‘darshan’ inside the cave shrine.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe the ice stalagmite symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

Since the route beyond the two base camps to the cave shrine has been declared a ‘no-fly zone’, no helicopters will be available to devotees during this year’s Yatra.

–IANS

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