Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inspected the Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and ordered a stringent crackdown on fake registrations. He instructed officials to prioritize the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims.
Inspection of Base Camps
Sinha visited the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam and the Chandanwari camp in Anantnag, interacting with pilgrims and reviewing arrangements. He checked facilities including medical aid, sanitation, and accommodation. The L-G also assessed the preparedness of disaster response teams and the availability of essential supplies.
According to an official spokesperson, Sinha emphasized the need for transparent and efficient registration processes. He directed the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and the police to identify and prosecute those involved in fraudulent registrations, which have been reported in recent weeks.
Crackdown on Fake Registrations
Sinha ordered a special drive to detect and cancel bogus registrations, ensuring only genuine pilgrims are allowed. He instructed the Cyber Police Station to monitor online registration portals for suspicious activities. The L-G also asked for enhanced coordination between the Shrine Board, district administrations, and security forces.
“Any attempt to exploit the yatra for illegal gains will be dealt with strictly,” Sinha said, as quoted by the spokesperson. He urged pilgrims to register only through official channels and report any fraudulent offers.
Focus on Pilgrim Safety and Convenience
Sinha reviewed the deployment of security personnel and the functioning of control rooms. He directed that all camps have adequate lighting, drinking water, and medical facilities round the clock. The L-G also stressed the importance of proper waste management and cleanliness at the camps.
Over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for this year’s yatra, which began on July 1 and will conclude on August 29. The Shrine Board has set up 50 registration counters across Jammu and Kashmir. Sinha’s inspection comes amid reports of touts charging exorbitant fees for fake registration slots.
Additional Measures
Sinha also announced the deployment of additional ambulances and mobile medical units along the route. He instructed the Public Works Department to ensure roads are motorable and free of debris. The L-G directed the Power Development Department to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to all camps.
The Amarnath Yatra, which involves a challenging trek to the 3,888-meter-high cave shrine, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages. The administration has made elaborate arrangements to handle the influx of devotees, including helipad facilities and satellite phones.
