Record pilgrims expected to visit Amarnath cave during 2-month yatra

Pahalgam (Amarnath base camp), June 9 (UNI) Expecting a record number of yatris during the two-month pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath commencing from June 30, authorities have decided to set up control rooms, langars and adequate environment friendly infrastructure to ensure a smooth yatra.

However, the ban on the use of polythene in Pahalgam, the base camp for the traditional route of the will continue.

A main joint control room will start functioning at Pahalgam from June 20 while mini control rooms will be established at various camping locations, including Mir Bazar, Nunwan, Chandanwari, Zojipal, Pissu Top, Sheshnagh, Mahagunas Top, Panjtarni and Holy Cave.

In all, 67 free langers would be established on this route, maximum of 14 of them at Panjtarni, 11 each at the Holy Cave and Nunwan besides nine at Chandanwari, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt General (Rtd) S K Sinha was informed here.

Emphasising the need for environment preservation during the ensuing two-month Amaranth yatra, General Sinha called for maximum synergy between various agencies to ensure a smooth and comfortable annual pilgrimage.

Reviewing the arrangements made for the yatra from the traditional Pahalgam route, he said adequate environmental friendly infrastructure is being raised on the twin tracks of Pahalgam and Baltal to cater to the growing pilgrim rush.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Jaipal Singh said 5000 pilgrims will be permitted every day through this route.

Mr Singh said adequate stocks of rations, kerosene oil and LPG will be made available at all places.

The Governor has directed concerned agencies to take necessary measures to ensure health and hygiene in camping sites, preserve ecology and make available requisite facilities to pilgrims.

He said extra care would be taken to ensure that the Lidder and Sindh rivers are not polluted. He said Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has replaced Deep Trench Lavatories by pre-fab environmental friendly toilets and these will be supplemented at various transit camps.

The ban on the use of polythene and polybags in Pahalgam and Nunwan will continue.

During the meeting, security agencies informed the Governor about the measures being taken for a smooth pilgrimage and discussed the Disaster Management Plan with the officers attending the meeting.

UNI