KATHUA, Jul 4: Former MLC and Member of Baba Barfani Sewa Mandal (Regd.), Moga, Subash Gupta has appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, and the Union Territory Administration to establish an official Shri Amarnath Yatra Registration Counter at Shiv Dham, Chan Arorian, Kathua, and to restore the scheduled halt of Shri Amarnath Yatra convoys at the Baba Barfani Sewa Mandal Langar site, a facility that had greatly benefited pilgrims in previous years.
Addressing media persons, Gupta said that the Baba Barfani Sewa Mandal has been rendering dedicated and selfless service to Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims for the last 24 years. The Langar site at Shiv Dham has developed into a major pilgrim service centre, providing accommodation for nearly 1,000 yatris, hygienic bathing and sanitation facilities, and free meals for more than 1,000 pilgrims at a time.
He informed that a 24-hour free medical camp has been established at the site, where medicines and primary healthcare services are being provided free of cost. In addition, ample parking facilities have been arranged, and the entire Shiv Dham complex has been equipped with CCTV surveillance systems to ensure the safety and security of visiting pilgrims.
Gupta expressed gratitude to the District Administration, Kathua, particularly Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, for extending valuable support in facilitating the service activities. He also appreciated the efforts of SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma and her team for making comprehensive security arrangements at Shiv Dham and along the pilgrimage route.
Highlighting the concerns of pilgrims, Gupta noted that in previous years, Shri Amarnath Yatra convoys would halt at Shiv Dham for refreshments, meals, and rest, enabling thousands of devotees to benefit from the extensive facilities provided by the Sewa Mandal. However, this year the convoys are proceeding directly towards Jammu without stopping at Shiv Dham, depriving many pilgrims of these services.
He urged the Lieutenant Governor and the UT Administration to restore the convoy halt facility at Shiv Dham, Chan Arorian, in the larger interest of pilgrim welfare and convenience.
Gupta further emphasized the need for an official Shri Amarnath Yatra Registration Counter at Shiv Dham, pointing out that thousands of pilgrims travelling by road face long queues and overcrowding at registration centres in Jammu. Establishing a registration facility at Chan Arorian, he said, would significantly reduce pressure on existing centres, improve pilgrim convenience, and contribute to the smooth and efficient management of the Yatra.
Expressing confidence that the administration would respond positively to this genuine public demand, Gupta said that such measures would greatly enhance facilities for devotees undertaking the sacred pilgrimage.
He prayed for the successful, peaceful, and safe conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra and sought the blessings of Baba Barfani for the health, happiness, and well-being of all devotees.