Srinagar, Aug 21: Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday accorded sanction to the grant of 25 Kanals of land at Panthachowk to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) for construction of Office and Yatri Niwas on “lease basis” for a period of 40 years from the date of taking over the possession.
As per an order by the Revenue department, Board has been granted land on payment of nominal ground rent of Rs. 10/- per kanal per annum without charge of any premium subject to the condition that the land shall be used only for the purpose for which it is granted.
“The allotment/lease shall be governed under the J&K Land Grants Act 1960 and the rules made thereunder,” reads an order, adding, “The Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar shall sign the lease agreement on behalf of the Government.”
Earlier this month, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the new facility would be built at Pantha Chowk Srinagar in a period of 18 months. The Yatri Niwas once completed would accommodate more than 3000 pilgrims.
Sinha, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, had said that the prestigious project is aimed at ensuring comfortable stay of Shri Amarnathji Yatris at Srinagar who come from all over the world for the holy annual pilgrimage.
“It will also act as an Information Centre for the guidance of pilgrims, besides many similar works would be completed for smooth conduct of the yatra,” he had added.
The government of J&K, he said, is initiating various services, along with the infrastructural development to provide a memorable experience to millions of devotees of Shri Amarnathji.
“We are planning to construct Yatri Niwas in various parts of the UT, besides a permanent office and a bigger Yatri Niwas will soon come up at Jammu to facilitate a large number of visiting devotees. Another Yatri Niwas with the capacity to accommodate 3200 yatris is coming up at Chanderkote, District Ramban, he had said.
“With modern facilities and conducive environment being created, the day is not far when the Yatris visiting Shri Amarnathji shrine would cross the 10 lakh mark which will also make a greater impact on the economy of J&K,” Sinha had added.
