SRINAGAR, Jul 20: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Sunday that the ongoing Amarnath Yatra has surpassed the 3-lakh mark, with devotees continuing to throng the holy cave shrine.
In a post on X, LG Sinha expressed his joy, stating, “By the grace of Baba Amarnath Ji, the holy pilgrimage has surpassed the 3 lakh mark today. This sacred journey is a deeply enriching experience. May Baba’s blessings bring peace, strength and fulfilment to all. Har Har Mahadev!”
The Lieutenant Governor on Sunday conducted a detailed review of the ongoing arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra during his visit to the Baltal base camp.
The Lt Governor chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from the civil administration, police, security forces, and other key departments overseeing the yatra operations.
He reviewed critical aspects including accommodation, healthcare services, sanitation, and security measures for pilgrims.
Stressing the importance of seamless inter—departmental coordination, LG Sinha directed officials to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for devotees undertaking the sacred journey.
During the visit, the Lt Governor also interacted with service providers, volunteers, and representatives of various organisations engaged in yatra management. He lauded their commitment and tireless efforts in supporting one of India’s most revered spiritual events.
Meanwhile, the 20th batch of 4,388 pilgrims, including 900 women, left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here on Sunday to offer prayers at the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said.
The 38-day annual yatra commenced on July 3 from the twin routes of Nunwan-Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal. So far, more than 2.90 lakh pilgrims have paid their obeisance at the shrine, housing the naturally formed ice-shivlingam, they said. The fresh batch of pilgrims, which included 130 sadhus and sadhvis, left the base camp in separate convoys for Pahalgam and Baltal under tight security arrangements, they said.
While 2,815 pilgrims left for Pahalgam in a convoy of 115 vehicles, 1,573 pilgrims onboard 95 vehicles preferred the Baltal route, officials said.
The pilgrimage is scheduled to end on August 9, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.
