SRINAGAR: (May 20) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said all arrangements will be made to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Amarnath Yatra.
Abdullah visited Ganderbal, a constituency that he represents in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, and paid his respects at the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in the district.
“We have started our preparations (for the yatra). As far as security is concerned, all arrangements will be put in place. It will be our endeavour to have a successful Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela first, and then an Amarnath Yatra via both routes of Sonamarg and Pahalgam. We want all yatries to return safely,” he told reporters
Mela Kheer Bhawani, an important religious event for Kashmiri Pandits, is likely to be celebrated in the first week of June. Kashmiri Pandits from all parts of the country assemble at the temple of Ragnya Devi. The annual Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3.
Asked about the effects of the Pahalgam attack on tourism, the chief minister said the government will wait for the situation to stabilise before working on the revival of the tourism sector.
“It has been hit, but as of now, we are not doing anything about it. Let the situation stabilise first, then we will sit with the stakeholders and take steps to revive tourism under a programme.
“The good thing is that the tour operators outside JK also want it to revive. Some groups have started coming. But let the yatra pass off peacefully, then we will focus on tourism,” he added.
The chief minister also inaugurated a slew of developmental projects in Ganderbal.
“Delighted to inaugurate the Water Supply Scheme at Bakura, Ganderbal — a vital project that will ensure clean and dependable drinking water for over 4,000 people. Joined by Hon’ble Ministers @sakinaitoo, @JavedRanaa, and Advisor @nasirsogami on this important step forward for the community. This reflects our government’s commitment to improving basic amenities and the quality of life for all,” Abdullah said on X.
He inaugurated an old age home at Pandach in Ganderbal and termed it “a significant step towards ensuring dignity and care for our senior citizens”.
Abdullah also laid the foundation stone of the Science Block at the Government College of Engineering and Technology at Safapora.
“Technology is the backbone of modern entrepreneurship — our youth must be equipped to lead the future,” he said.
