Did J&K L-G Just Launch a New Fleet of Ambulances for Ramban and Anantnag?

Srinagar, July 1 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, officially launched a new fleet of ambulances aimed at supporting hospitals in the Ramban and Anantnag districts, enhancing emergency services along the critical Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

“Today, I flagged off a fleet of ambulances for hospitals in Ramban and Anantnag, generously donated by NHAI through Quazigund Expressway Pvt. Ltd. as part of their CSR initiative. I have directed the Deputy Commissioner of Ramban to investigate the feasibility of a Hospital on Wheels to better serve the remote regions of the district,” the L-G shared on his X account.

On a separate note, the Lt. Governor inaugurated a new Yatri Niwas in Srinagar for pilgrims participating in the Shri Amarnath Yatra on Monday.

“I am pleased to announce the inauguration of the SASB’s Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk today. This facility represents our unwavering commitment to enhancing the experience for devotees of Baba Barfani, ensuring a more comfortable and secure pilgrimage,” he stated during the event.

He further elaborated on X, “The Yatri Niwas, funded through donations, can accommodate 1300 pilgrims. The second phase of construction will commence shortly. This facility embodies our commitment to selfless service. Let us seek blessings from Baba Amarnath for peace, happiness, and prosperity in our land.”

The L-G presides over the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), responsible for organizing the annual Yatra to the revered cave shrine located at an altitude of 3888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas.

This year's Yatra is set to commence on July 3 and conclude after 36 days on August 9, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

Yatris have begun arriving in Jammu from various parts of the country. The SASB has made extensive arrangements for their lodging and boarding at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas located on Canal Road in Jammu.

Yatris can opt for either the traditional Pahalgam route, which is longer, or the shorter Baltal route to access the cave shrine that features an ice stalagmite that fluctuates with the lunar phases. Devotees believe this structure epitomizes the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The authorities have established two base camps at Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam).

Additionally, the L-G has inaugurated two fully equipped hospitals at these base camps. There are also transit camps along the route from Jammu to the base camps, which manage, supervise, and provide halting points during adverse weather conditions. Those taking the traditional Pahalgam route will trek 46 km over four days, passing through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine.

Those opting for the Baltal route can visit the cave shrine and return to the base camp on the same day, covering a 14 km one-way trek. Due to security concerns, helicopter services will not be available to Yatris this year.