• Safe and adequate accommodation to all the devotees is our top priority: LG Sinha
  • The facility also consist of a registration and security block
  • LG also interacts with the service providers and devotees at Baltal Base Camp

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board’s Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, Ganderbal for pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The facility, developed by ONGC under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, will accommodate 800 pilgrims and also consist of a registration and security block.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, for their kind support to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. He also thanked the ONGC for taking up the work for establishing   Yatri Niwas at Sidhra Jammu, Baltal, Nunwan and Bijbehara at a cost of Rs 240 crore under Corporate Social Responsibility.

“Safe and adequate accommodation to all the devotees is our top priority. We are creating better facilities for the pilgrims, while securing the livelihood of local people and service providers. At present, the work of Yatri Niwas at Sidhra, Nunwan Phase-I and Bijbehara is going on. Yatri Niwas at Nunwan is expected to be completed  before the month of October this year.

Widening of Tracks and installation of safety railings have ensured safe and hassle-free movement of pilgrims. Today the tracks are illuminated by grid power and this has provided great relief to the pilgrims and also provided an opportunity for 24x7 monitoring.  Grid Power Connectivity from Panchtarni to Chandanwari will be ensured by next year,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also lauded the contribution of Police, Security forces, Administration, Shrine Board, executing agencies, engineers, laborers, sanitation workers, civil society groups, langar seva organizations, local people and all other stakeholders for the smooth conduct of Yatra. During his visit to Baltal Base camp, the Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the service providers and devotees of Baba Barfani and extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe pilgrimage.

Addressing the media persons, the Lieutenant Governor said that more than 20,000 devotees have already performed darshan at the holy cave. “Pilgrims are feeling blessed and excited to be part of this journey of faith and tradition. There is an atmosphere of celebration and enthusiasm in the entire J&K for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.  The people of Jammu Kashmir are extending a warm welcome to the devotees,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said pilgrims arriving earlier than stipulated date will be accommodated, however advised them to wait since those devotees who had prior registration would be given priority. Ms. Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson, Ganderbal; Shri Mian Mehar Ali, Member of Legislative Assembly from Kangan; Shri KN Rai, Member, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary and CEO SASB; Shri Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and CEO ONGC; Ms.Vartika Shukla, Chairman and Managing Director Engineers India Limited; Shri Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, senior officials of Police, Administration, SASB, and devotees in large numbers were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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