Amarnath Yatra boosting J&K economy as 1. 7 Lakh pilgrims visit shrine: LG
J&K LG Manoj Sinha on Friday said nearly 170,000 pilgrims have offered prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine during the first eight days of the annual pilgrimage, while praising the coordinated efforts of the administration and security agencies in ensuring a safe and smooth Yatra
Srinagar, Jul 10:Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said nearly 170,000 pilgrims have offered prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine during the first eight days of the annual pilgrimage, while praising the coordinated efforts of the administration and security agencies in ensuring a safe and smooth Yatra. "The seven-day phase of the Yatra has been completed and today is the eighth day. So far, approximately 170,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance," Sinha told reporters after reviewing arrangements along the pilgrimage route. He said all departments of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, along with the J&K Police, the Army and other security forces, had worked together to ensure the pilgrimage remained "safe and pleasant. "Sinha noted that the administration had successfully managed a significantly higher number of unregistered pilgrims than last year by patiently counselling them and facilitating their journey. "Every effort is being made to ensure that pilgrims leave with a pleasant experience," he said, expressing hope that devotees arriving from across the country would continue to have a positive experience. Highlighting the pilgrimage's economic impact, the Lieutenant Governor said the annual Yatra benefits a wide cross-section of the local population. "While the Yatra has immense religious significance, I believe it also makes a substantial contribution to Jammu and Kashmir's economy," he said, noting that pilgrims purchase local products and generate business for hotels, transport operators and people engaged in providing tents, ponies and other services. Reviewing facilities for pilgrims, Sinha said he had personally inspected the accommodation tents and found the arrangements satisfactory. "I personally inspected the tents. Officers on duty are continuously monitoring the facilities. Special attention has been paid to safety, and fire extinguishers have been placed in every tent," he said. On healthcare facilities, Sinha said two 100-bed hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari have been operational for the past three years and are playing a crucial role during the pilgrimage. "Doctors informed me that around 1,300 to 1,400 patients are treated daily in the outpatient departments. When I visited, only nine patients were admitted. Some were suffering from mountain sickness, while others had vomiting," he said, adding that the hospitals were providing valuable medical support to both pilgrims and personnel deployed for the Yatra. Appealing to devotees to adhere to official guidelines, Sinha urged them to seek assistance from designated officials whenever required and warned them against being misled by touts. "There are always some unscrupulous middlemen who try to mislead people. Pilgrims should remain cautious," he said. He also warned service providers against overcharging pilgrims. "Charges for every service have been fixed. If anyone demands more than the prescribed rates, they should immediately report the matter to the Camp Director or the police, and strict action will be taken," the Lieutenant Governor said.