LG Performs 'Samapan Pooja' Of Amarnath Yatra
‘3.65 Lakh Devotees Paid Obeisance At Cave Shrine, Highest In Five Years’
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Friday performed the 'Samapan Pooja' marking the end of annual pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Sinha also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of the people, an official spokesperson said Friday.
“I truly admire and appreciate the selfless contribution of all stakeholders and citizens for making this difficult Yatra hassle-free for the pilgrims,” the LG said.
“Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the UT Administration had made all the arrangements for carrying out traditional religious rituals at the holy cave,” the spokesperson said..
The board also facilitated the carriage of Holy Mace (Pavitra Chhari) to the Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji.
Deependra Giri, Mahant Chhari-Mubarak Amarnathji led the Chhari Yatra accompanied by saints of Dashnami Akhada, and held the Chhari Poojan to mark the conclusion of Yatra 2022.
Meanwhile, addressing a presser at the Raj Bhawan Auditorium, the LG informed that 3.65 lakh RFID registered persons performed darshan at the holy cave, which is highest in the last 5 years.
In 2016, 220490 performed darshan. In 2017, the number was 260003, while in 2018 & 2019, 285006 and 343587 persons performed darshan at the holy cave.
The LG said that despite inclement weather conditions for 20 days out of 44 days, the overall Yatra remained satisfactory. RAS survey by yatris shows 93% satisfaction rating on various parameters, while 73 % of the Darshans performed in the first 20 days of Yatra.
“The feedback received from the yatris about the facilities has been overwhelming for the administration,” the LG said.
Sinha also expressed gratitude to the Central government and the media persons for their support in the successful conduct of the yatra.
The LG enlisted various new initiatives taken for Shri Amarnathji Yatra which was resumed after two years due to Covid pandemic.
“The carrying capacity of yatris was increased by 80 % as compared to previous years. Special arrangements were made across J&K to accommodate 1,25,000 Yatris in comparison to 70,000 Yatris earlier. A new Yatri Niwas at Chanderkote with 3600 capacity was opened for Yatris this year which proved to be a key facility in accommodating more yatris, even during inclement weather,” he said.
For the first time, Sinha said, the RFID tracking of yatris was introduced which proved very helpful in tracking of the yatris, especially during the time of disaster on 8th July, many yatris could be traced using RFID technology.
“240 % increase in the number of Toilets and unprecedented Sanitation arrangements ensured litter free and Open Defecation free yatra. Moreover, 190% increase in number of Beds in Hospitals, additional 100 bedded medical facility developed at each of the Base Camps and 50 beds installed additionally on each axis, 85 % increase in number of Oxygen Booths, besides two DRDO hospitals one each at Baltal and Chandanwari had aptly catered to the health needs of the yatris as well as locals and other stakeholders and saved many precious lives,” he added.
This year, the LG said, helicopter service was availed by the yatris from 4 sectors instead of 2 sectors. He said that two new heli sectors from Srinagar to Neelgrath and Srinagar to Pahalgam opened for Yatris.
“Free of cost Battery car service to yatris between Baltal and Domel; 200 % increase in number RO water purifier in each camp and on the tracks; underground cabling on Baltal axis provided 3-phase 24x7 Power supply, back up Gen sets helped in providing enhanced facilities to the yatris,” Sinha said.
“PTZ cameras installed on yatra tracks for surveillance resolved many issues and helped in minute-to-minute monitoring of yatra. Prepaid system introduced for hiring of Pony, Pithhos and Palkis also prevented overcharging of yatris. Three times the number of Camp Officers deployed to effectively manage the Yatra. Daily Coordination meetings by CEO SASB with Divisional Commissioners, DCs, Camp Officers and other stakeholders yielded better results,” he added.
The LG further said that integrated command & control center (IIIC) for quick monitoring and immediate response established at Srinagar with Nodal officers from all concerned Departments.
He said that volunteer students from Indian Institute of Technology- IIT Jammu rendered their service in yatra in Technological assistance. One Senior IAS officer deployed as Nodal officer for each Axis of the yatra.