Governor N. N. Vohra has emphasized the need for undertaking long term measures for the proper management of the two major pilgrimages to J&K, to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji and to the Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji Shrine.The Governor was speaking after releasing a Souvenir titled “Pratibhigya”, brought out by the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Niyas at a function held here today morning.The Governor, who is the Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, noted that while 3.52 lakh Yatris paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji in Summer last year, 78 lakh pilgrims visited Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine during 2015. He observed that the various agencies of the State Government and the two Shrine Boards have been actively engaged to provide adequate facilities for the pilgrims, which include arrangements for accommodation, transportation, medical care, sanitation and other necessary services. He added that if adequate infrastructure facilities were developed a large number of the pilgrims could be attracted encouraged to visit other places of tourist interest in the State.
The Governor stressed that the safety and security of the pilgrims continues to remain the prime concern of the Shrine Boards. The tracks to the Holy Cave pass through a very difficult terrain in the high mountains, experiencing hostile and unpredictable climatic conditions and these aspects have to be kept in view while planning the Yatra. The Shrine Board, with assistance of the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been making continuing efforts to disseminate all relevant information to the intending pilgrims from all over India.The Governor lauded the cooperation extended by the Yatri Niyas and the State Administration to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board for the smooth conduct of Yatra 2015 and urged all the stake holders to strengthen the Shrine Board’s efforts in publicizing and disseminating various aspects and advisories related to this Yatra. The Governor observed that the SASB has always welcomed suggestions from the various statekholders for further improvement in the facilities provided to the Yatris.
The Governor felicitated about a dozen persons who had contributed towards the smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji and Shri Buda Amarnathji Yatra-2015.In his welcome address, Mr. Surinder Mohan Aggarwal, President, BABA Yatri Niyas, complimented the Governor and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board for smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra this year. Mr. Aggarwal said that the Yatri Niyas is deeply committed to support the Shrine Board’s initiatives to bring out progressive improvements in the management of future Yatras. Mr. Khem Chand Sharma, senior VHP leader, also addressed the gathering. Brig.(Retd.) Suchet Singh was also present on the occasion. Mr. Karan Singh Charak, General Secretary, BABA Yatri Niyas, presented a Vote of Thanks.Mr. P. K. Tripathi, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Mr. Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Mr. Danish Rana, IGP Jammu, and several prominent citizens were present on the occasion.