Jammu, February 12. In a landmark decision, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 50th meeting of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, greenlighting a spectacular laser and sound show dedicated to Baba Barfani. This immersive experience will light up both Srinagar and Jammu, showcasing the rich spiritual legacy of the Union Territory.
The board also set the date for the first puja of the 2026 Amarnath Yatra on June 29, coinciding with Jyeshtha Purnima. Official pilgrimage dates will be announced shortly. Sinha, who heads the board, emphasized enhancing pilgrim safety and comfort.
Key resolutions included doubling accident insurance cover from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for registered pilgrims, service providers, officials, seasonal workers, and priests. Welfare schemes for shrine board employees received approval too.
Directives were issued to identify sites for toilets along the yatra route, construct shelter sheds and rain shelters for pilgrims, service providers, and security forces. Discussions covered extensive preparations: promotion of yatra info, pony insurance, online pre-paid services, registration, disaster management, medical facilities, langar services, telecom, power supply, weather forecasting, security, digital pre-paid systems, crash barriers, and departmental progress.
Border Roads Organisation reported strong advancement in widening tracks on Baltal and Pahalgam routes. CEO Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari presented detailed preparations for the upcoming yatra.
The meeting underscored a commitment to a seamless, secure pilgrimage, blending tradition with modern infrastructure to elevate the spiritual journey for lakhs of devotees.