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| Governor inaugurates SASB Jammu office | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Nov 28
Based on the previous four years’ experience, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is taking innovative measures to create additional facilities for around five lakh pilgrims, keeping in view the rugged terrain, topography and weather conditions in the Himalayan region in Kashmir.
This was stated during the inauguration of the Jammu office of the Shrine Board in Raj Bhavan complex by Governor, Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha here this morning.
The Governor, who is also the Chairman of SASB, went round various blocks of the Board along with Chief Executive Officer, Dr Arun Kumar and other senior officers.
Dr Kumar said that the Board has been constantly improving the facilities on both the tracks leading to the cave shrine from Pahalgam and Baltal. ‘Every effort is being made to maintain the ecology of the region and for this purpose expert opinion is being sought’, he said, adding that as a result of elaborate arrangements the pilgrim influx has been showing an upward trend over the years. However, he maintained that the pilgrim rush was at its peak during 2006 when it crossed the four lakh mark. Subsequently, the pilgrims paying obeisance at the much revered cave shrine numbered 3.57 lakhs in 2005, about three lakhs in 2006 and 3.23 lakhs this year.
The helicopter service to the holy cave shrine has also become popular with the elite section and physically handicapped pilgrims opting for air travel to pay obeisance. This year 23629 pilgrims visited the shrine, Mr Kumar added.
The Chief Executive Officer said that the Board is gearing up for the next year’s pilgrimage and every minor detail is being worked out to ensure smooth pilgrimage. Plans are being drawn up to have necessary temporary infrastructure and other facilities in place well in time, he said. |
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