Amarnath yatra to begin on June 30

Jammu, Apr 11 (UNI) This year's Shri Amarnathji Yatra in Kashmir will commence on Vrat Purnima from June 30 and conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) falling on August 28.

Announcing this at a media conference here this morning, the Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), Dr Arun Kumar said elaborate arrangements are being made for the two-month yatra via baltal and pahalgham.

''A recce of the snow-clad route has been conducted by a party of local workers and the restoration work will start soon after the snow melts,'' he added.

Dr Kumar hoped that the yatra will once again touch the four lakhs figure, which has by and large been recorded consecutively during the past three years, and added that matching infrastructural facilities are being put in place to meet the requirements. He, however, urged the people not to venture for the pilgrimage on difficult and rugged terrain before the yatra commences officially.

''Safety of pilgrims is our prime concern,'' he said, adding that without proper security, track clearance and infrastructure, it would be risky to embark on the pilgrimage.

The CEO spelled out the priorities of SASB which inter alia include ensuring pollution free environment, making adequate lodging arrangements with modern facilities of toilets, pure drinking water, electricity, supply of essentials, etc at a total outlay of Rs four crores.

For undertaking voluntary 'Langar' facilities, 124 socio-religious organisations are being registered for ensuring the service in a phased manner during the entire duration of the yatra and 50 have already been given the go ahead.

''We appreciate the cooperation and response of 'Langar' operators,'' Dr Kumar said and added that 4300 tents and 720 shops of local people are also planned to be put up on the entire route.

''Maintaining of ecology and environment is our prime concern,'' he said, adding that while more and more local people would be involved with the pilgrimage, all are required to help with the preservation of the environment. He said the yatra is going to give a big boost to the local economy in particular and tourism in Kashmir in general.

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