Srinagar, August 30: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha honored various stakeholders on Sunday for their contributions to the successful organization of the Amarnath Yatra 2026. The ceremony recognized the efforts of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, civil administration, army, Central Armed Police Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Border Roads Organization, medical personnel, service providers, and others involved in the pilgrimage.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the Amarnath Yatra is not merely a religious journey but a symbol of collective resolve, service, and dedication. It has transformed challenges into opportunities and duty into devotion.
He expressed gratitude to officials, security personnel, sanitation workers, horse operators, porters, palanquin bearers, langar volunteers, and medical staff. Despite difficult geographical conditions and adverse weather, everyone ensured a safe, smooth, and respectful pilgrimage for the devotees.
The LG stated that this achievement is not the result of a single department or organization but a collective effort of “Team Jammu and Kashmir.”
The Amarnath Yatra ran for a total of 57 days, from July 3 to August 28, 2026. Over this period, challenging weather conditions posed significant obstacles, yet approximately 480,000 pilgrims visited Baba Barfani.
Statistics reveal that 82% of pilgrims completed their visit within the first 20 days, and 95% finished their journey in the first month.
A total of 54,000 service providers were registered during the pilgrimage, including 31,000 horse operators, porters, and palanquin bearers, along with 6,400 tent and shop operators and 7,700 langar volunteers. About 187,000 pilgrims utilized horse and palanquin services.
To ensure medical assistance, 93 medical facilities, 595 clinical beds, and 26 oxygen booths were established along the route. A dedicated team of 1,430 doctors and nursing staff was available 24/7, complemented by 48 ambulances.
For sanitation, 7,900 toilets were set up, with an equal number of sanitation workers deployed. This initiative was part of the ‘Zero-Waste Yatra’ campaign.
Capacity along the pilgrimage route was increased to 63,000, with an additional 54,000 in various regions of Jammu and Kashmir. A base-based registration system effectively addressed the issue of duplicate registrations.
Daily coordination meetings were held at 3 AM and 8 PM under the leadership of the Shrine Board’s CEO and the Lieutenant Governor’s Principal Secretary, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, ensuring real-time monitoring of the pilgrimage.
LG Manoj Sinha remarked that the Amarnath Yatra symbolizes India’s eternal traditions, humanity, coexistence, and the spirit of collective service. He noted that pilgrims returning from across the country carry not only a religious experience but also the message of Jammu and Kashmir’s culture and hospitality.
He also thanked civil society organizations, political parties, and religious leaders, stating that the discipline, energy, and coordination displayed during the pilgrimage should become a permanent part of Jammu and Kashmir’s development model.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir has played a role, directly or indirectly, in showcasing the region’s rich cultural traditions to the nation.
He concluded by stating, “The sacred journey of Baba Barfani conveys that goals are achieved not just through wishes but through continuous efforts. When resolve is collective, leadership is clear, and service is paramount, no goal remains unattainable.”
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