Srinagar, May 19, 2025: In a significant development for one of India’s holiest pilgrimages, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reconstituted the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board , appointing nine eminent individuals as members for a three-year term. As Chairman of the SASB, Sinha issued a notification today, May 19, 2025, at 6:20 PM IST, formalizing the board’s restructuring to enhance the management and spiritual experience of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The newly nominated members are Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Prof. Kailash Mehra Sadhu, K.K. Sharma, K.N. Rai, Mukesh Garg, Dr. Shailesh Raina, Dr. Simridhi Bindroo, Suresh Haware, and Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri. Drawn from diverse fields including spirituality, education, administration, and social service, these luminaries are poised to elevate the board’s efforts in ensuring a seamless pilgrimage to the Holy Cave Shrine of Lord Shiva in the Kashmir Himalayas.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, established under the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature in 2000, oversees the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, a sacred journey to the natural Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva. The board manages critical aspects such as pilgrim facilities, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness. With the 2025 Yatra set to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9, the reconstituted board will focus on enhancing services like RFID card systems, e-KYC verification, and lodging facilities along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, anticipating a surge in devotees.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha’s proactive leadership in reshaping the SASB aligns with his commitment to preserving J&K’s spiritual heritage. His recent initiatives, including chairing the 48th SASB meeting on March 5, 2025, and inspecting infrastructure at Baltal and Nunwan base camps, reflect a dedication to pilgrim welfare. The inclusion of revered figures like Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, a prominent spiritual leader, and Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, a Vedic scholar, ensures a blend of spiritual insight and administrative expertise.
This reconstitution builds on Sinha’s earlier efforts, such as the 2022 restructuring of the SASB and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which introduced notable members to streamline pilgrimage operations. The current board is expected to prioritize track maintenance, medical facilities, and Yatri Niwas expansions to ensure a safe and enriching experience for pilgrims. Recent posts on X highlight public optimism about the board’s new composition, with expectations of improved facilities and global recognition for the Yatra.
The announcement comes amidst other regional developments, such as the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited’s restoration of 80% power supply by 3:00 PM today, following windstorm-related outages. Sinha’s focus on both spiritual and infrastructural advancements underscores his holistic approach to J&K’s progress.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s reconstitution of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board marks a pivotal step in strengthening the sacred Yatra’s administration. With a distinguished panel of members, the SASB is well-positioned to uphold the pilgrimage’s sanctity while ensuring a seamless journey for devotees, reinforcing J&K’s spiritual and cultural legacy.
