Shivlingam fully formed, heavy pilgrim rush expected

Srinagar, Jun 17 (UNI) As the holy Shivlingam in the Amarnath cave has been fully formed, the authorities anticipate a heavy pilgrim rush this year.

''As the message about the fully formed Shivlingam is spreading, we anticipate a heavy pilgrim rush this year,'' Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt General (retd) S K Sinha said today.

He said all the departments should gear up their field agencies to ensure regulated pilgrimage.

Mr Sinha interacted with pilgrims, officials, local workers and langerwallas at various places.

He asked for deployment of more ponies to enable langerwallas lift their supplies to other destinations.

Responding to the request of ponywallas at Sheshnag about arrangements to be made for them to offer prayers, he directed that this be done immediately.

The Governor also discussed security arrangments with various agencies and stressed on close synergy between them to ensure smooth and regulated yatra.

He also urged the officers to remain available at their designated places for providing necessary assistance to the pilgrims.

Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Jaipal Singh, who is also the Yatra Officer, briefed the Governor about the arrangements made for this year's pilgrimage.

He said the mobile service was resumed from today while the official media channels will be broadcasting and telecasting meterological reports on regular basis.

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