On October 27, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha honored various stakeholders involved in the successful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 during a felicitation ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan Auditorium. This year’s pilgrimage, which lasted 52 days, saw a record number of 512,252 yatris performing darshan at the Holy Cave, marking the highest attendance in twelve years.
Acknowledgment of Efforts
During the ceremony, the Lt Governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all officers from the Administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, Air Force, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Emergency and Health Services, and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. He commended their collective efforts in ensuring a hassle-free experience for devotees. “Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is an eternal symbol of our spiritual heritage,” he stated, emphasizing its significance in fostering unity and brotherhood among diverse communities.
The Lt Governor highlighted how the collaborative spirit of various sectors—ranging from medical staff and sanitation workers to volunteers and religious leaders—played a crucial role in creating a memorable spiritual experience for pilgrims. His remarks underscored the dedication of ‘Team J&K’ to serve the yatris effectively.
Record Attendance
The 2024 Yatra witnessed a remarkable turnout with over half a million pilgrims participating. This figure not only reflects the growing interest in the pilgrimage but also marks it as the fourth instance in recent years where darshans have exceeded 500,000. The successful management of such a large influx of devotees is a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by all stakeholders involved.
Comprehensive Arrangements
The Lt Governor detailed the extensive arrangements made for this year’s Yatra:
- Healthcare Facilities: A total of 77 healthcare facilities, including two 100-bed hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal, were established along the yatra route. Approximately 1,238 doctors and nursing staff were deployed to provide medical assistance to pilgrims.
- Emergency Services: The setup included 509 clinical bed facilities and 26 oxygen booths, ensuring that medical help was readily available for any emergencies.
- Support Staff: More than 32,000 ponywalas, pithuwalas, and palkiwalas assisted yatris in reaching the holy shrine. Additionally, about 7,000 sanitation workers maintained cleanliness along both routes.
- Waste Management: A zero landfill approach was adopted for waste disposal, with volunteers known as Swachhagrahis playing a significant role in achieving a litter-free environment during the pilgrimage.
- Technology Integration: The yatra incorporated a 100% E-KYC based registration process and a prepaid system for availing services easily. Enhanced power illumination was provided along key routes to ensure safety during nighttime travel.
- Infrastructure Developments: New tracks were developed on the Pahalgam Axis between Chandanwari and Pissu Top. Furthermore, helicopter services from Srinagar Airport to Neelgrath were made available for easier access to the shrine.
Gratitude to Central Leadership
The Lt Governor also expressed appreciation for the unwavering support from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, which contributed significantly to the Yatra’s success. Their guidance was instrumental in enabling local authorities to implement effective measures that ensured both safety and comfort for all participants.
Culmination
The ceremony concluded with acknowledgments of all individuals and organizations that contributed to making the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 not only successful but also spiritually enriching for countless devotees. The collaborative efforts across various sectors exemplify how community spirit can come together to uphold traditions while ensuring safety and accessibility for all participants in this revered pilgrimage.
