Several firsts for Amarnath pilgrimage this year

Srinagar, Jun 3 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has for the first time initiated several measures for smooth and peaceful conduct of the two-month-long annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, beginning June 30.

As a first step, the state government has acquired the services of the remote sensing and meteorology department to get accurate weather forecast details during the pilgrimage, official sources said.

This has been done keeping in view the bad weather conditions prevailing in the region during the past few weeks.

The tele-communication wing of the police and various cellphone service providers have also been roped in to ensure adequate connectivity from Pahalgam to the holy cave shrine.

A joint control room would also be set up at Pahalgam to meet any eventuality during the pilgrimage.

The state government has taken all steps to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply during the period. Besides, adequate supplies of essential commodities, including rice, kerosene, gas cylinders and medicines, would be stocked to meet the requirements of pilgrims and the people associated with it.

Similarly, several measures have been taken to ensure cleanliness in the famed tourist resort of Pahalgam during the pilgrimage. The state government has decided to close down all those hotels and shops which do not have modern garbage and sewerage disposal system.

About 113 langars (kitchens) have been accorded permission along the holy cave shrine route this year.

MORE UNI