Shri Amarnath Yatra-2019 commences

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), July 01, 2019 - The annual Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath in the Kashmir Himalayas commenced today, from both the Pahalgam and the Baltal routes, with the first day of Shri Amarnath Yatra, 8403 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine.

Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, paid obeisance at the Sanctum Sanctorum and participated in the Pratham Pooja ceremony. Governor reviewed the arrangements made for the pilgrims at the Shri Amarnath Yatra Shrine Camp and conveyed the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s thanks to the State Government, Army, Central Armed Police Forces, State Police and all the other concerned agencies for their support and cooperation. He stressed the need for effective supervision and round the clock monitoring by the Camp Directors and all the functionaries involved in the management of the Yatra for ensuring smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

According to official sources an additional transit camp has been established at Panthachowk with all basic amenities enough to cater to 2000 pilgrims.
Two more transit camps have been established at HMT and Zakura, in case of requirement. More than a thousand yatris can be accommodated in these transit camps.

It was informed that Medical camps established at higher reaches include MG Top, Wagbal, Poshpathri and other locations with oxygen booths, doctors, paramedical staff, medicines, critical care ambulances and other facilities. All major hospitals in Anantnag, Srinagar and Ganderbal districts have also been dedicated to the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Yatra round the clock.

A total of 31 SDRF teams have already been stationed at 20 locations with 556 personnel on the job. Tourism department has also established 31 shelter sheds at various locations enroute to the Holy Cave Shrine.

The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir has directed Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag and Ganderbal to issue Bar Coded passes to bonafide card holders like Tent, Pony walas and other yatra facility providers. He called for immediately stopping trespassing of unauthorised persons at Yatra locations..

Anantnag and Ganderbal administration were asked to check signal efficiency of mobile phones at higher reaches en-route to the cave and furnish a report within a day to the Divisional Commissioner for further course of necessary action.

Concerned District Administrations and traffic department has been asked to enforce Shri Amarnath Yatra route plan in letter and spirit. Threadbare discussions were also held by the administration on erection of signage, recovery vans, chopper services, Bio-Toilets, storage of essential commodities, drinking water and electricity services with back up facilities, and other necessary facilities for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in the meeting.

The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir reiterated that Shri Amarnath Yatra is a national event and concerned officers should perform their duties with added zeal, zest and mutual coordination besides they will remain alert round the clock to address any kind of issue immediately for the successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra-2019.

Meanwhile, CEO of Shri Amarnath Shrine has once again appealed to the intending Shri Amarnath Yatris to embark on the pilgrimage only after getting medically checked and obtaining a valid Yatra Permit. This would ensure against any avoidable inconvenience to them. The CEO further appealed the Yatris to bring with them adequate woollen clothing, Jackets, warm inners, woollen socks, gloves, woollen cap, trousers, muffler, sleeping bag, wind cheater, rain coat, water proof trekking shoes, umbrellas in view of harsh terrain where temperature abruptly falls to 2- 5 degree Celsius in the Yatra area.